Teen With Cerebral Palsy Dreams of Swimming In Paralympics

Kendall Bailey is a young man with cerebral palsy whose love for swimming has helped propel him through troubled times.

Kendall was born with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism and more. He learned early on that a swimming pool could help his problems melt away and allow his troubled mind and body a chance to be normal. When he is in the water, he is happy, safe and quite possibly the fastest disabled breaststroker in the world.

Bailey has plans of attending the paralympics in Beijing this year. He swims constantly, over two hours a day, to prepare himself. Sometimes he sleeps with his medals draped around his neck. Bailey is determined.

There was a slight hiccup in his plans when authorities at Beijing asked that he be ruled ineligible. They felt that his mental retardation was an issue. However, after much debate the issue was settled and the young man with cerebral palsy was once again cleared to attend the games.

Kendall's story is quite inspirational. He proves that no matter what your affliction(s), you can still achieve your dreams.