The steady rhythm of the water moves in perfect harmony with each stroke as high schooler Julie Erb prepares for one of the biggest moments of her young life. In the pool, there’s no noise, no distraction, only focus, feel and flow. For this 1998 M-E grad, the water was never just a place to compete… it was freedom… an escape from life’s many challenges.
Erb was born with one leg but never let that stop her from perusing her dreams. And it all started at a young age. Whether it was swim lessons as a toddler, softball, or skiing in the adaptive program at Greek Peak in 5th grade, she grew up with an understanding that limitations were never part of the conversation – only possibilities.
“Being born with one leg, my parents always made sure to have me try different things and never discouraged me from trying something,” said Erb.
That mindset would shape everything that followed, from her academic career to her athletic journey. Following a bit of encouragement from a good friend, Erb would join the modified swim team in 7th grade, quickly finding success in the sport.
“I loved swimming and it turned out I was successful at the sport,” Erb said. “I loved the feel of the water when I dove in and the adrenaline as I glided through the water. It was a sport where I could compete in with both my able bodies peers and my disabled bodied peers. It gave me amazing opportunities in both the disables sports world as well as school and college athletics.”
Opportunities would soon follow. Through her involvement in adaptive skiing, Erb attended a training camp in the Poconos – an experience that introduced her to a world she never could have imagined.
“There I learned about the Paralympics, the process for going to nationals and how to get involved in Disabled Sports,” said Erb.
It was off to the races from there. Erb’s path quickly accelerated. Nationals in Indianaplos. World Competition in Malta. Then, a realization that would reshape her future. After competing in worlds, all while continuing to swim on both the modified and varsity teams, she decided to try out for the U.S. Paralympic team in 1996 – later qualifying as a member of the U.S National team.
“I had never imagined that I would be given the opportunity to compete at that level,” said Erb.
As a Maine-Endwell high school student at the time, the stage could hardly have been bigger. Training alongside elite athletes at the Olympic Village in Colorado, Erb immersed herself in an environment few will ever experience. But her representation went far beyond the competition. Though the Paralympics weren’t as widely televised as they are today, the significance of the moment was unmistakable.
“We were treated the same as the Olympians when we arrived at the Olympic Village. People asked for autographs, took pictures, and we met the Vice President and received a letter from the President,” said Erb.
While she narrowly missed the podium, the experience left an indelible mark.
“Though my highest place was 4th and I did not medal, I was so proud every time that one of my teammates medaled and the national anthem was played,” said Erb.
Today, Erb’s journey has come full circle – not in the pool, but in the classroom. She serves as a 12:1:3:1 teacher at M-E High School, working with students whose challenges often mirror the resilience she developed in the sport.
“I am always so honored when I am asked to speak or share my story with others. I have the opportunity through my experiences to meet so many people with various disabilities and stories. I think it is important to share with others to that they have an understanding of others with disabilities and that they can change their bias they may have toward others,” said Erb.
Her message is one forged through lived experience – one that reframes adversity as strength.
“Your physical disability does not define you; it only makes you stronger. My disability was a gift that opened up doors for me that may not have been opened if I did not have a disability,” said Erb.
For students navigating their own uncertainties, Erb’s advice is simple.
“Keep pushing, keep working hard, and be an advocate for yourself.”
From the lanes of competition to the lives she now shapes each day – Julie Erb’s story stands as a reminder that perseverance often begins long before the spotlight – and the greatest victories are not always measured in medals.
Erb went on to swim at SUNY Geneseo and was later inducted into the Maine-Endwell Sports Hall of Fame.
