Paralympic swimmer's inspirational story is a medal chance in London

Born with arthrogryposis, a rare congenital disorder characterized by multiple joint contractures and muscle weakness, she has lived without biceps or triceps and has limited arm and spine movement in addition to limited flexibility in her legs. The disability in her body, however, hasn't defeated her mentally or spiritually.

Instead, it has inspired her.

This week, the 14-year-old swimmer will compete at the London Paralympic Games, which started Wednesday with opening ceremonies in the exact same location as the London Summer Olympics a few weeks ago.

Childs will swim two events, the 200-meter freestyle Saturday and her specialty, the 50-meter butterfly, six days later on Sept. 7. She holds the American record (51.59) in the butterfly in the S5 classification, which is her level of physical disability for swimming. Because disabilities are different, different classifications are assigned so swimmers compete against others who have similar ability.

She will swim in the same pool that her idol, former Florida swimmer Ryan Lochte, did at the London Olympics. It has been an incredible journey for Childs and her family since she qualified at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June in Bismarck, N.D.

“It is shocking, really,” said Childs, the youngest U.S. Paralympic athlete. “It is exciting. I played (soccer) for seven years and then I took a break and looked for other sports.” read more...