Any other disabled swimmers?

Former Member
Former Member
I was just wondering if their are any other disabled swimmers on the forums. I am an incomplete quadriplegic and am entering my first meet in Denver, CO the beginning of April. I've very excited but nervous as hell. :drown: Anyone else out there?
  • Lilfox, Accessing deck level at the University of Denver pool can be a bit tricky if you've never been there before. My wife is disabled so I've got the place pretty scoped out re accessabilty. Send me a PM if you need any help/advice. Hope to see you at the meet. rich
  • Over the years I've seen numerous disabled swimmers in USMS meets and it is a big reason why I think USMS is a great organization. The only thing you need to be nervous about is all the cheers you will get and all the congratulations afterward. Good luck!
  • Contact the meet director at DU before the meet. I am looking forward to meeting you.
  • lilfox! Nerves are good! You'll be great! Have a great time and swim hard!!!!!!!!
  • No need to be nervous. I've seen numerous disabled at meets and it's awesome and inspiring! Masters swimming is the perfect home. Tell the officials right when you show up to the meet and they will be sure to make the correct accomodations for your starts and finishes.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    That disabled folks can participate in Masters swimming in so many ways is one of the greatest things about Masters swimming. Everyone wins. Attending a LMSC annual dinner in February, I was awed by the Overcoming Adversity Awards presented over the years. Learning about the new and past recipients, it seemed that nothing can stop someone from swimming and competing. Deeply inspirational, it was. The potential beneficial impact, still largely untapped, on individual and public health overwhelmed me. Taking an Official's clinic recently, I was introduced to the many rules effectively encouraging disabled individuals to compete. My physical limitations are minor compared to many. Stemming from a dramatic traffic accident in the 1960s, I have little holding my knee together, a fused wrist, an out of whack shoulder, a leg shorter than the other and a scoliosis-like spine. Came close to giving up on me in the hospital and then cutting my leg off, they did. 35% life-long disability, they said. No way I say. While I swam for therapy and fitness most of my life, after volunteering as a timer at some meets last spring, I started almost daily Masters workouts last July. A shock to my system, I continue. So far, I have been in 4 meets, doing another this coming weekend and will be at Y-Nats in April. That almost anyone can get involved in Masters swimming profoundly enriches all of us. There is little reason why millions more - whether disabled, couch potatoes, 50+ - cannot dive into the pool at Masters workouts and meets. What a splash for health, accomplishment, camaraderie and involvement would accrue. Have a great time in your first meet LilFox! Keep us posted. Based on many discussions with fellow competitors, we all get nervous.