About Tucker

Tucker Dupree represented the United States at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China and at the 2009 World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the age of 17, Tucker began to lose his vision and was diagnosed with a rare disease called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). In a short period of time, Tucker lost 70% – 80% of his central vision in both eyes. Determined not to let this disability define his life, Tucker continues to become a stronger swimmer while inspiring others with his positive outlook on life.

Age: 20
Birthday: May 11
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Height: 6’1’’
Weight: 155
Parents: Marlene and Chet
Siblings: One sister, Sarah
Disability: Blind  /  Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)
Number of Years Swimming: 5
Typical Training Day: Wake up at 5:30 for a morning practice swim with the Raleigh Swimming Association at the Triangle Aquatic Center, weight lifting and a run follow before lunch and a late afternoon practice swim finishes out the day.
Favorite Foods: Pasta, apples, bananas, cinnamon rice cakes and ice cream.
Hobbies: Playing piano, listening to music, collecting swim caps from the places I travel for competitions.
People Who Inspire Me: My mom and dad.
Biggest Challenge: Not being able to drive.
Proudest Moments: When I made the 2009 IPC Short Course World Championship Team and the 2008 US Paralympic Team. 
Awards and Recognition: The Greater Raleigh Sports Council Courage of Character Award; 2007 Honors Graduate from Garner Magnet High School; Swimming MVP, Garner Magnet High School; the Tim Stevens Scholarship Award Winner; the WSY Andy Craver Determination Award.

 

Tucker’s World Rankings

Short Course Meters

• 1st in the 100 Meter Butterfly – World Recorder Holder
• 2nd in the 50 Meter Freestyle
• 2nd in the 100 Meter Backstroke
• 3rd in the 100 Meter Freestyle
• 3rd in the 400 Meter Freestyle

Long Course Meters

• 3rd in the 100 Meter Butterfly
• 3rd in the 50 Meter Freestyle
• 4th in the 100 Meter Freestyle
• 4th in the 400 Meter Freestyle
• 4th in the 100 Meter Backstroke
• 7th in the 200 Meter Individual Medley

 

Tucker’s Medal Count

Tucker is a world-ranked Paralympic swimmer and adds to his cache of medals at nearly every event. He currently holds 25 American Records, 6 Pan-American Records and 1 World Record.

Since 2006 he has been awarded 28 Gold, 8 Silver and 10 Bronze medals.

• 2009 World Championships, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze
• 2009 Summer Canadian American Championships: 5 gold
• 2009 Spring Canadian American Championships: 6 gold
• 2008 Paralympic Games, Beijing, China: 1 fourth place, 2 fifth place, 2 sixth place and 1 seventh place finish
• 2008 Summer Canadian American Championships: 2 silver, 4 bronze
• 2008 Paralympic Trials: 6 gold
• 2007 Open Swimming Championship: 6 gold
• 2007 Summer Canadian American Championships: 3 gold, 3 silver
• 2006 North Carolina State Games: 1 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze