Picture this: A mother and son, once battling the harsh realities of homelessness, now find themselves on an extraordinary journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics. And yes, this incredible mom will be cheering for her son as he competes in the 10-kilometer marathon swim event, proudly representing Team USA.
“It was a ‘we’ effort … there’s so many people involved [along] the way, and she’s at the front of that freaking list,” revealed 23-year-old marathon swimmer Ivan Puskovitch on “Good Morning America” about having his mom Robyn Rabinovitch’s unwavering support throughout his extraordinary journey to the Olympics.
Their story captivated hearts when family members launched an online crowdfunding campaign to help finance Rabinovitch’s trip to Paris to witness her son’s big moment on August 9. “I think she deserves to see the race,” Puskovitch said, “[She] is the most deserving of being able to see the culmination of all that sacrifice.”
Overcoming Challenges to Reach the Olympics
Puskovitch had always been a standout, both in school and in the pool. His mother was his primary swimming coach until he turned 13, and by age 7, he’d already swum a 500-yard freestyle race. By age 10, he had shattered a national age group record, according to his Team USA profile.
Despite the family’s financial struggles, Rabinovitch prioritized her son’s swimming training, even sending him to a private school. “For me, it was worth whatever I was going to have to deal with to make that happen, because he was really happy with his swim,” she affirmed.
In 2017, Puskovitch’s high school years took a dramatic turn when Rabinovitch lost vision in her right eye. The financial strain became unbearable, leaving the family homeless. “My life just kind of imploded that summer,” she recalled. They faced harrowing choices, like deciding between feeding her children or paying for her medication. “Of course, I was going to feed my kids. Whatever I needed to do for them,” she added, showcasing her indomitable spirit.
Their situation forced them to live in a variety of places—cars, friends’ basements, and occasionally hotels. But, despite the odds, they managed to get back on their feet, even though Rabinovitch’s health issues continued.
Persevering to the Finish Line
Puskovitch’s resilience never wavered as he continued to excel in his teenage years, winning multiple junior titles both in pool and open water. His dedication and talent earned him a spot at the University of Southern California.
This February, the moment he’d been training for arrived. Puskovitch qualified for the 2024 Olympics for Team USA by finishing 14th at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar. His reaction? Pure disbelief. “I was like, ‘There’s no way,” he said. “This is one of those goals where, no matter how long you visualize it … you’re never going to be fully prepared to comprehend achieving it.”
He was overwhelmed with gratitude for the journey that had brought him to this point. Rabinovitch, watching from home, shed tears of joy. But the surprises were far from over. A friend started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Rabinovitch’s trip to Paris, and it has since raised over $29,000.
With these funds, Rabinovitch’s travel costs will be covered, and a portion will help with her ongoing medical expenses. “I can’t believe so many people have banded together to try to make sure that I’m going to be able to be there to see my son in the Olympics, living out his dream,” Rabinovitch expressed, brimming with appreciation and gratitude.
Puskovitch summed it up perfectly: “She has certainly sacrificed the most and is the most deserving of being able to see the culmination of all that sacrifice. It’s very much my moment but it’s also [her] moment in her own way too.”
So, mark your calendars! Puskovitch will be competing in the men’s 10-kilometer marathon swim event in Paris on Friday, August 9. This is one race you don’t want to miss!
