Posted on 09/08/2001 12:23:37 AM PDT by Geronimo
TORONTO (September 8, 2001 12:32 a.m. EDT) - A 15-year-old amputee completed a 12-mile swim across Lake Erie in just over 15 hours Friday, making her the youngest woman and first disabled person to accomplish the feat.
Ashley Cowan of Toronto had to face a strong current and her fear of swimming in darkness.
"She toughed it out and we're very proud of her," said friend John Munro, who watched the swim from a rescue boat on the lake. "Everyone's so thrilled about it."
Cowan headed straight for waiting paramedics after emerging from the 70-degree water on the shores of Crystal Beach, Ont. Hundreds of spectators cheered as she went by.
The determined teen began her journey just before 9 a.m. at Sturgeon Point, N.Y., about 12 miles south of Buffalo.
Cowan came down with meningitis at age 2 and her limbs had to be amputated below the knees and elbows. She uses prosthetics on land but not in the water, powering herself without hands or feet.
Before starting, Cowan said she was determined to make it across to Crystal Beach, Ontario.
"You set your mind on something and just keep thinking how much you want it, and you will achieve it," she told CFTO-TV.
Aside from a rescue boat, Cowan was also accompanied by boats from New York state and members of the fire department from Hamburg, N.Y., near Cowan's departure point.
At the Canada Games in London, Ont. this August, Cowan won two silver medals for the 50-meter backstroke and 100 meter breaststroke.
That's amazing! Hooray for her!
Omigod, this reminds me of an awful, awful joke....
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There is nothing so powerful as setting goals and disciplining yourself to accomplish those goals. This is one teenager that needs no contrived self-esteem workshops from her high school.
Great story and congratulations to Ashley.
I agree. Makes me feel like never complaining again.
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