INDIANAPOLIS – Swimmers from around the world will compete in the Paralympic World Series held in Indy this weekend - including a Terre Haute native looking to win.
Evan Austin has been swimming for the past 14 years and has not let his disability deter him from following his dreams.
"I had an affinity for water from a really young age, so I just asked if could I take some swim lessons that our club hosted back in Terre Haute,” said Austin.
It may have all began with a swim club, but Austin said the road wasn’t easy. He was diagnosed with familial spastic paraparesis at the age of 3.
"I spent a lot of time in my childhood not liking myself. Not at all,” he said. “Kids get asked what's your favorite super power? I would've been invisible."
Despite his issues with self-confidence, Austin said he wouldn’t be where he is today without his family.
"I kind of overcame my demons at such a young age. I started to accept myself fully when I was about seventh grade. And I still had bullies then,” he noted.
His family said competing in the Paralympics is a big deal.
“When you step back and think about it as a parent, you're extremely proud. It's very humbling especially when you see the accomplishments that he has made,” said Austin’s father, Eric. "I always tell people God was allowing me to be the child of a polio victim so I would know how to be the father of a disabled child."
The Paralympics championships are scheduled for September and Austin hopes he can participate in Mexico City.
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