Born in Georgia, Russia with a short right femur, she had congenital amputation of her right leg. In 1994 when she was four years old, she was adopted from an orphanage and now at 13 years old, Elizabeth has become an accomplished athlete in both wheelchair basketball and women's swimming.

In swimming events during the past year, she has set seven national records in women's s9 short course, another national record in women's s9 1500m freestyle, nine medal finishes in the USA Disability Swim Championships, and was named to the 2004 U.S. Paralympics Swim Team.

As a member of the Grand Rapids Junior Pacer program this year at a National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament her team placed third. At the NWBA Prep Nationals, her team placed fourth and in NWBA Varsity Nationals her team placed another third. She was also named to the 2004 NWBA Prep Nationals All-Tournament Team.

A member of the Rockford Riptide Swim Team for three and one-half years, this past year she won both their Most Dedicated Swimmer Award and Leadership Award. She also is a swimmer advocate for the Rockford Riptide acting as a mentor and coach to younger swimmers as well as representing fellow swimmers to the parent board and coaches. Elizabeth is also involved in fundraising events. She also enjoys skiing and softball and participates in the Grand Rapids Wheelchair Sports Association camp every summer.

The Rockford Riptide Swim Team coach, Chris Pierret says: "Elizabeth has been an exceptional athlete in not only her swimming achievements, but also in her positive attitude, goal achievements, practice dedication, and a role model and teacher for all of her team mates."

Elizabeth is also active in her church youth group and plays the violin in the school orchestra. She was nominated for this award by Cheryl Angelelli who is also an ADHOF alumni.

Congratulations Elizabeth!