More than two dozen athletes with ties to Connecticut will be representing the United States on the world stage this summer at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which begin Friday.

Among them are two standout athletes with inspiring stories: Matthew Torres and Kelsey Reelick.

Torres, a 23-year-old from Ansonia, will compete in Para Swimming. Born with amniotic band syndrome, Torres has overcome significant challenges, including missing half of his right leg, deformities on both hands, and moderate hearing loss. Despite these obstacles, he has achieved remarkable success, earning a bronze medal at the Paralympic Summer Games in Tokyo.

Kelsey Reelick, from Brookfield, will be part of the U.S. national rowing team's four-woman boat in Paris. Her rowing journey began in 2005 in New Zealand, inspired by her sister Erin, a multi-national team member.