McKeel Swimmer Overcomes Illness to Win District Twice

Sometimes the comeback is sweeter than the original plan.

McKeel Academy senior Chance Swinburne spent most of his final high school swim season feeling sick and wondering if he even wanted to keep going. But as his health improved heading into the district meet on October 27, so did his outlook on finishing what he started.

Swinburne dominated the Class 2A District 7 meet in Wauchula, Florida, winning both the 200-yard freestyle in 1:50.83 and the 100 freestyle in 49.14. He was the only swimmer in the entire competition to break 50 seconds in the 100 free.

The victories helped McKeel's boys team finish second behind host Hardee, while the McKeel girls captured the district championship. For Swinburne, the wins were especially meaningful because they came without pushing too hard after his illness disrupted his training schedule.

"I've been sick for most of the season, so it kind of took it away from me of wanting to continue," Swinburne admitted after the meet. He's now training with a new club in Winter Garden and adjusting to a different practice schedule, but he's focusing on ending his competitive career on a high note at the state meet.

Last season, Swinburne finished 12th overall in the 100 freestyle at state. His best time this year would put him in the top eight, a significant improvement that shows how much he's grown despite the setbacks.

Why This Inspires

Swinburne isn't planning to swim competitively after graduation, but that hasn't stopped him from giving his all during these final weeks. His coach Roy Wilshire has noticed the improvement and says Swinburne has the right mindset heading into regionals and state.

The story gets better beyond Swinburne's individual success. His teammates Bryce Palmer and Claire Swinburne also won two events each for the girls team, while Elin Jonsson and Jocelyn Chanthavongsa added wins to secure the team title. The McKeel girls swept all three relay events.

Lake Wales senior Marcos Cabrera also had a strong showing, winning both the 50 freestyle in 22.10 and the 100 breaststroke in 58.37, the only swimmer to break one minute in that event.

When illness threatens to derail your final season, finding the strength to push through and compete at your best is its own victory.