Any other disabled swimmers?

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.

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.