It’s a heartwarming story of triumph and perseverance. A mother and her son, once homeless, will now experience the thrill of the 2024 Paris Olympics together. Robyn Rabinovitch will be in the stands, cheering for her 23-year-old son, Ivan Puskovitch, as he competes in the 10-kilometer marathon swim event for 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,” Ivan shared on “Good Morning America,” acknowledging his mom’s unwavering support throughout his Olympic journey.
Their inspiring story gained widespread attention after family members launched an online crowdfunding campaign to finance Robyn’s trip to Paris. Thanks to the incredible generosity of many, Robyn will be there to witness her son’s momentous occasion on Aug. 9.
“I think she deserves to see the race,” Ivan expressed. “[She] is the most deserving of being able to see the culmination of all that sacrifice.”
Overcoming Challenges to Reach the Olympics
Since he was young, Ivan has shown exceptional talent both academically and in swimming. Robyn, who was Ivan’s primary coach until he was 13, recalls his early achievements fondly. By age 7, Ivan swam a 500-yard freestyle race, and by 10, he had broken a national age group record.
Robyn did everything in her power to support Ivan’s growing passion for swimming, even sending him to a private school despite financial hardships. “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 said.
However, life took a difficult turn in 2017 when, during Ivan’s high school years, Robyn lost vision in her right eye, and the ensuing financial strain left the family homeless. “My life just kind of imploded that summer,” Robyn recalled, revealing that she had to make tough choices between feeding her kids and affording her medication. “Of course, I was going to feed my kids. Whatever I needed to do for them.”
The dire situation led Ivan and his family to spend many nights in cars, friends’ basements, and occasionally, hotels when they could afford it. Though they eventually found stability, Robyn’s health issues continued to pose challenges.
Persevering to the Finish Line
Despite the adversities, Ivan’s determination never wavered. Throughout his teenage years, he achieved multiple junior titles in both pool and open water events. His hard work paid off when he earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California.
In February, Ivan qualified for the 2024 Olympics after placing 14th at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar. When he heard the news, disbelief was his first reaction. “I was like, ‘There’s no way,’” he shared. “This is one of those goals where, no matter how long you visualize it, you’re never fully prepared to comprehend achieving it.”
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Ivan was deeply moved by the journey they had undertaken to reach this point. Robyn, who was watching the announcement via a livestream, couldn’t contain her joy and shed “happy tears.”
The joy continued when Robyn’s friend initiated a GoFundMe page in April to support her travel expenses for the Paris trip. Amazingly, the page managed to raise over $29,000, which will not only cover her travel costs but also help with Robyn’s ongoing medical expenses. “I can’t believe so many people have banded together to make sure that I’m going to be there to see my son in the Olympics, living out his dream,” Robyn expressed with great appreciation.
Ivan, too, is touched by the overwhelming support. “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.”
Mark your calendars, as Ivan Puskovitch will be competing in the men’s 10-kilometer marathon swim event in Paris on Friday, Aug. 9. Everyone’s rooting for him and his incredible mom!
