Beyond the Water: Empowering Lives at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics.
For the athletes of the USA Deaf Swimming Team, the true spirit of competition isn't just found in the rush of the race - it’s in the connections made along the way. While every swimmer dreams of a place on the podium, the journey to the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics often carries an unseen weight: the constant effort of navigating a world that isn't always designed for all. From the bustle of international airports to the complex briefings on the pool deck, these athletes have spent their lives masterfully bridging gaps in communication.
At Even Realities, we believe technology should work quietly in the background to amplify human potential, not distract from it. To support this incredible team, we were honored to equip them with the Even G1 Display Smart Glasses. By bringing real-time translation and transcription into their natural field of vision, the Even G1 acted as a true power - removing burdens and allowing their talent to take center stage.
We sat down with the team to talk about their journey to Tokyo and how "Quiet Tech" gave them the freedom to stop worrying about the barriers and start focusing on what they love most: the water, the camaraderie, and the pursuit of their dreams.
As elite athletes competing on an international stage, what were the primary challenges you faced before integrating the Even G1 into your journey?
Carli: In the past, I’ve had to be very outspoken and constantly advocate for myself because officials sometimes forget to use hand signals or the starting strobe light isn't working. It makes you feel like you have to do everything yourself.
Samantha: For me, it was the struggle of trying to understand people when they talk very quietly. I’d have to ask them to write things down just to follow along, which can be frustrating when you just want to focus on the environment.
Colin: Growing up, the challenge was stereotype. People expect you to only sign or not be able to interact "normally." Navigating those misconceptions while trying to stay in a competitive mindset is a mental battle.
How has the Even G1 integrated into your daily workflow during the Deaflympics?
Colin: The translation feature was a game changer. I tested it and found it to be nearly 99% accurate. It allowed me to interact with people in Tokyo and understand exactly what was being said without the usual stress of a language barrier.
Dawson: I love the transcription. Being deaf, you sometimes hear a sound but don't process the meaning until a little while later. With the Even G1, I can just look up, see the text, and "catch up" on what I’m missing in real-time.
One of the core philosophies of Even Realities is technology that "frees" your attention. How did this manifest during competition?
Dawson: It really helps me focus more on competing and just being an athlete. The transcription picks up the sounds I might lag behind on, so I’m not constantly looking around to see if I missed something.
Carli: It makes the whole experience less stressful. As a deaf person, you are always scanning the room to make sure you aren't missing a conversation. The glasses let me sit back and relax because I know they are picking up the dialogue for me. It let me "zone in" on what I needed to do.
In what ways did the glasses change your approach to interacting with international teams?
Carli: It was amazing for building camaraderie. I could talk to athletes from other countries face-to-face rather than awkwardly reading from a phone screen. When I would answer them correctly because of the translation, their faces would light up. They’d realize, "Oh wow, you actually understand me."
Samantha: It creates a connection that I never thought I’d have. Even if we don’t speak the same language, we found ways to communicate and understand each other through the technology.
What features did you find most helpful for maintaining your schedule as a student-athlete?
Samantha: I love that it has the calendar and notifications right there. I have a lot on my schedule, and I don't always have my phone on me when I'm at the pool or training. Being able to just look up and see the time, my next appointment, or a text from a friend is so helpful.
Carli: For my university classes, they’ve been huge. Professors often turn their backs to write on the board, which makes it impossible to lip-read. The Even G1 allows me to stay on track with the lecture and realize just how much information I was actually missing before.
Would you recommend Even G1 to other professionals or athletes navigating similar environments?
Colin: Definitely. It’s about breaking the stereotype and showing that we can interact and excel in any environment.
Dawson: It provides the resources that help with daily life. When you have those resources, you can dedicate all your energy to your sport and your goals.
Watch the Journey:
A short documentary chronicling the USA Deaf Swimming Team’s journey to Tokyo and their experience with the G1 is now available on YouTube.
Watch now
About Even Realities
Even Realities is dedicated to revolutionizing the eyewear industry by balancing digital display technology with aesthetics and comfort. Our mission is to create tools that prioritize wearability and style while enhancing human experience. Backed by top investors like Tencent and Hongshan, our team brings expertise from Apple, Samsung, and Mykita to the forefront of "Quiet Tech." Learn more at evenrealities.com.
