Nothing’s impossible for deaf swimmer

WEDNESDAY MARCH 22 2017 DESPITE having a bilateral hearing loss since birth, Michael Swartz, 24, a swimming champion from East London, has proven nothing is impossible and has many achievements under his belt.

Swartz, who holds seven gold medals, three silvers and a bronze, competed in the SA National Swimming Championships at the Joan Harrison Swimming Pool in East London a week ago.

Speaking about his swimming journey and being a semi-finalist on two years ago, Swartz, from a family of nine, said what was important was being an example to others with disabilities while also breaking barriers between the hearing and the deaf.

Among his achievements is being an ambassador for disabled people and earning a gold medal at the Open Water swim at the Wriggleswade Dam on Sunday.

His mother Sandy said he was an inspiration to the family.

“He is a very humble young man, and often tells us that he does not want to brag about his talents, but would rather spread the message that anything is possible in life, despite having a disability.”

Michael has been offered a hospitality career at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sea Point, and said he was looking forward to moving to Cape Town. He is set to represent the country in the Durban Swimming Nationals in two weeks. –