I am an amputee swimmer, Right leg amputee, and I have joined Novaquatics in Irvine, Ca, and I am looking to go to China in 2008, and if there are any ideas from other adaptive swimmers, please let me know
A most worthy goal! Good luck!
For information on the Paralympics in 2008, I would suggest you contact Bea Hartigan of USA-Swimming. I think Bea is still the in charge of Paralympics. If it isn’t Bea then check with Mike Saltzstein. Email addresses and phone numbers for Bea or Mike can be found on the USA-Swimming web site, usaswimming.org
Former Member
two thoughts
I have recently, well maybe 1990, '93, '96, '98, 2000, competed with 3 guys my age, 79, and older who's best stroke was butterfly. Two were confined to wheel chairs, except for swimming. The third had only one leg. Their best stroke was butterfly and 100 and 200's , at that. Which is to say that it may be possible that butterfly would be your best stroke, if not now, in the future.
One of the great things about masters swimming is that it is reasonable to have a goal that extends for years or decades into the future. For instance, I know a guy in Illinois who has just had to extend his English Channel swim goal for another twenty or more years, since George Brunstad set the age record for men at 70 a few weeks ago.
Thought #2. Check out emmett's website, H2OustonSwims.org, and his articles on the differences between Butterfly and Butterstruggle. And with your team's coach work at it at your leisure. You don't have to be good at it 'til you're ready.
Former Member
Craiglll. When I swim I swim against anyone. I do not look at their phyiscal problems. I just swim , I do not care who i am swimming against. Weather he is a top notch olympic swimmer or a masters swimmer. Fast or slow ,strong or weak, short distance or long distance. I just swim. And thank God for that. Dom.:) :)
Former Member
My missing body parts are internal. I've had seveal operations on my abdomen and have no colon, some small intestine gone & a rebuilt bum. I've always wondered if this qualifies me as a para-athelete? In pure body mass, I'm probably missing about as much as those who've had limbs amputated. How would those of you who have had limbs amputated feel about competing against those of us who have all of our limbs but have internal organs missing? Generally, I only mention itwhen people see the large scars onmy stomach.
Former Member
Poolpirate. I am a left leg aka amputee. What is in china? Do you swim at meets ? what is your age. And what are your favorite strokes. A Article was done on me in swim maginze sept oct 2004 issue May be that will help. Lots of luck DO.:) ;) :cool:
Poolpirate - By China 2008 I assume you mean Beijing para-olympics - I commend you for going for it! Many years ago I worked with athletes with physical and/or mental challenges and came away from that experience seeing some of the most focused, determined and elite athletes.
A recent inspiration is a story worth sharing is of an Olympic calibre swimmer named Dave Denniston. He's the 1999 NCAA Champion for Auburn U. and was on the 2003 World Championship Team. He had a sledding accident in 2005 and lost the use of his legs. He has such a great attitude that he soon after the accident was back in the water swimming. Truly a swimming champion no matter what the physical circumstances.
I wish you well and good luck aiming for Beijing!
Former Member
There are several physically disabled athletes on my masters team. One is a right leg below the knee amputee. He swims a lot better and faster than many normal people.
Other disabled swimmers are:
2 polio victims
1 spina bifida
1 cerebral palsy
It is a joy to swim with my disabled friends. I just accompanied my friend Elisa (cerebral palsy) on her first openwater race last Saturday. She finished 2KM in 1 hour and 41 minutes.
Like Dominick says, she just thanked God for that. Amen!
Have fun poolpirate! Hope to see you on the podium in Beijing!