Post by bjobsessed on Jul 20, 2006 10:20:59 GMT -5
Thought I would start another thread for any disability stories of interest that are not related to blindness. (This keeps Maggie's need for 'on topic' threads satisfied. 
)
Here's one about a fifteen-year-old swimmer with cerebral palsy attempting to swim across Lake Ontario. This article was written during her swim. I'm happy to say that she did complete it and is now the first person with CP to swim across Lake Ontario.
Disabled swimmer still strong six hours into Lake Ontario attempt
Last Updated: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 | 3:47 PM ET
CBC News
Jenna Lambert was still going strong in her attempt to become the first disabled woman to conquer Lake Ontario, six hours and eight kilometres into the 32 kilometre distance.
The 15-year-old, who has cerebral palsy and swims mostly with just her upper body, entered the water at Barrack Point, N.Y., at 10:26 a.m. ET, hoping to make the crossing to Lake Ontario Park in her hometown of Kingston in 24 hours.
By 3:20 p.m., Lambert was on schedule.
"She's swimming pretty well, said John Munro, from the chase boat. "We're facing a bit of rough weather, with the wind coming in to eight knots."
That was causing metre-high rolling swells, but there were no whitecaps.
"Jenna is still very strong, very positive, and keeping up 40 strokes a minute," Munro said. "We're still sticking to the 24-hour estimate, but that may change later on [because] you have to include her tiredness and so on."
High winds and whitecaps had forced her to postpone on Monday.
Vicki Keith, Lambert's coach and Munro's wife, is travelling alongside the swimmer in an ocean-going kayak.
Keith herself is a world-renowned marathon swimmer, having conquered Lake Ontario six times, including a famed double-crossing. She's also the holder of 16 global marathon records.
Lambert's attempt, dubbed the Kids 4 Kids Marathon, will raise money for the disabled swim program and a new pool at the Kingston Family YMCA.
Cerebral palsy has left Lambert's legs tight and unable to bend at the joints.
"I'm doing head-up breast stroke, and my legs are tightened behind me," the Kingston high school student said just prior to her swim.
"My arms just come out in front and pull, and it's not that difficult because that's how I've always done it."
She expected the overnight hours to be the toughest, but had no doubt about pulling off the swim.
)Here's one about a fifteen-year-old swimmer with cerebral palsy attempting to swim across Lake Ontario. This article was written during her swim. I'm happy to say that she did complete it and is now the first person with CP to swim across Lake Ontario.
Disabled swimmer still strong six hours into Lake Ontario attempt
Last Updated: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 | 3:47 PM ET
CBC News
Jenna Lambert was still going strong in her attempt to become the first disabled woman to conquer Lake Ontario, six hours and eight kilometres into the 32 kilometre distance.
The 15-year-old, who has cerebral palsy and swims mostly with just her upper body, entered the water at Barrack Point, N.Y., at 10:26 a.m. ET, hoping to make the crossing to Lake Ontario Park in her hometown of Kingston in 24 hours.
By 3:20 p.m., Lambert was on schedule.
"She's swimming pretty well, said John Munro, from the chase boat. "We're facing a bit of rough weather, with the wind coming in to eight knots."
That was causing metre-high rolling swells, but there were no whitecaps.
"Jenna is still very strong, very positive, and keeping up 40 strokes a minute," Munro said. "We're still sticking to the 24-hour estimate, but that may change later on [because] you have to include her tiredness and so on."
High winds and whitecaps had forced her to postpone on Monday.
Vicki Keith, Lambert's coach and Munro's wife, is travelling alongside the swimmer in an ocean-going kayak.
Keith herself is a world-renowned marathon swimmer, having conquered Lake Ontario six times, including a famed double-crossing. She's also the holder of 16 global marathon records.
Lambert's attempt, dubbed the Kids 4 Kids Marathon, will raise money for the disabled swim program and a new pool at the Kingston Family YMCA.
Cerebral palsy has left Lambert's legs tight and unable to bend at the joints.
"I'm doing head-up breast stroke, and my legs are tightened behind me," the Kingston high school student said just prior to her swim.
"My arms just come out in front and pull, and it's not that difficult because that's how I've always done it."
She expected the overnight hours to be the toughest, but had no doubt about pulling off the swim.
