When Disabilities Inspire

This weekend my daughters had a swim meet so we spent most of our weekend at the pool. During the Saturday session I saw a swimmer on the sidelines in a wheelchair. She had her team suit on, her cap and her goggles in hand.

Immediately I was intrigued and amazed. This young lady, who looked about 14, was not letting her physical handicap hold her back. She didn’t have a parent by her side helping her with every move and she interacted with her teammates like any teen would.

I was one of the lane timers for the afternoon session. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her wheel herself to the starting blocks, maneuver herself out of her wheelchair and into the water for the start. Once she was in the water she looked so happy and free. The race started and she glided through the water like all the other swimmers. You could hear her coach giving her cues – reach, pull – and her teammates cheering her on. As she neared the wall, the entire pool was cheering for her as she finished strong.

To have the drive, dedication and sense of purpose this young lady had was simply astonishing. She is truly an inspiration!