Disability Championships

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the National Junior Disability Championships in Lake Forest. In the coming weeks, I'll share a new video highlighting one of the athletes who is making big waves in the swimming world. The 15-year-old uses just her arms to swim because she was born with arthrogryposis, which limits movement in her legs. I'm really excited to share her story!

Meantime, take a look at this article by the Daily Herald's Burt Constable. I met him at the swimming competition at Lake Forest High School yesterday. We saw so many inspiring athletes there. Here's what one athlete told Constable about being called "inspiring":

"I don't really like the word 'inspire'. I hear it too much. I understand I am a role model, but you're just used to the body you have, and you use what you've got."

It's truly amazing (and yes, inspiring!) to see how well the athletes "use what they've got". None of them allow their disabilities to hold them back.

The championships continue through the week, with more swimming events, track and field and even archery. You can check out a full schedule of the events here.

Here's a picture slideshow that the NJDC created: