Rogers’ journey to the Paralympic podium was marked by extraordinary challenges. Just hours before meeting her new coach, Patrick Miley, Rogers was involved in a devastating car crash. The accident resulted in multiple fractures and significant soft tissue damage, setting the stage for a grueling rehabilitation process. Initially, doctors were pessimistic about her chances of returning to competitive swimming, a crushing blow for someone who had dedicated her life to the sport and dreamed of Olympic success. Despite the dire prognosis and the demanding months of physical therapy, Rogers confronted these obstacles with unwavering determination and a defiant, "Watch me."

In an interview with BBC Scotland, Rogers reflected on her journey with deep emotion. "It’s unbelievable," she said. "Three years ago, I was told my swimming career might be over. Now, holding a Paralympic gold medal feels like a full-circle moment. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved and the path it took to get here."

A pivotal aspect of her comeback was the steadfast support from her coach, Patrick Miley. Although Miley had just started working with Rogers before the accident, his role became crucial in her recovery. "Patrick has been with me from day one," Rogers recalled. "I remember the anxiety of calling him from the hospital. We hadn’t even started our training, and I was terrified of letting him down. But Patrick was incredibly supportive, and from that moment, we worked tirelessly to get me back in the pool. My family’s encouragement was also vital, they never stopped believing in me."

The path to gold was characterized by sheer perseverance and mental fortitude. On the day of the final, Rogers faced immense pressure but maintained her composure throughout. The race was fiercely competitive, with Rogers narrowly edging out Warrington. "It was a close race," Rogers noted. "You hope to win, but you try not to dwell on it too much to avoid disappointment. It wasn’t until I touched the wall that I let myself believe I had won. The feeling was indescribable."

Looking ahead, Rogers is now focused on representing Scotland at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, potentially in Glasgow. Though she was born in Stockton-on-Tees, Rogers feels a deep connection to Scotland due to her training base in Aberdeen. "Competing for Scotland would be an incredible honor," she said. "That’s the goal I’m working towards. The atmosphere in Aberdeen is fantastic, and Patrick’s support has been instrumental in my development as a swimmer. I would love to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games."