McClain Hermes

Name: McClain Hermes

Sport: Paratriathlon

Height: 5’5"

Birthdate: Jan. 5, 2001

Hometown: Gainesville, Ga.

Current Residence: Colorado Springs, Colo.

High School:

College: Loyola University of Maryland '22, '23; Clemson University PhD candidate

Personal Bio

McClain Hermes is a rising U.S. paratriathlete who competes in the PTVI (vision impairment) category. A Paralympic swimmer (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021), Hermes transitioned to paratriathlon in 2022, embracing the challenge of mastering three disciplines and quickly establishing herself as one of the sport's emerging talents.

A graduate of Loyola University Maryland, Hermes earned her bachelor's degree in 2022 and her master's degree in 2023. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Clemson University studying Rhetoric, Communication, and Information Design. While balancing the demands of elite training, academics and part-time work as a campus tour guide, she hopes to graduate in 2028!

After losing her eyesight at the age of eight, she shifted her childhood dream of becoming an Olympian toward a new goal: competing as a Paralympian. Today, she races in complete blackout goggles and sunglasses, relying entirely on communication and trust with her guide to navigate every swim, bike and run course. She hopes her performances help others better understand the skill, speed and teamwork required in paratriathlon.

Hermes credits her parents, Matthew and Carmen, as the foundation of her success. Her mother spent countless hours driving her to swim practices, while her father has always been her biggest supporter.

Away from competition, Hermes is rarely without her guide dog, Uzo, a Barbet who loves to swim and run alongside her. More than a training partner, Uzo provides independence, confidence and companionship, making everyday life—and elite sport—possible.

Hermes' daily routine reflects the commitment required to compete at the highest level, balancing swimming, cycling, running, strength training, physical therapy, graduate studies and work. After overcoming a broken hip at the end of 2024 and spending months on crutches, she returned stronger than ever and is now running faster than before the injury.

Career Highlights

2026: In her first race of the season, Hermes placed first at the World Triathlon Para Cup Samarkand • She placed first at the World Triathlon Para Series Yokohama • Hermes placed third at the World Triathlon Para Series Montreal • She placed first at the Americas Triathlon Para Championships Antofagasta • She placed first at the 2026 USA Paratriathlon National Championships.