On August 16, 2002 Ohio swimming made an announcement about Richard, along with a picture, for breaking his American Record twice that day in the 100 m fly. It was so exciting when the entire natatorium cheered him on. He now ranks 20th in the world (IPC World Rankings)in the 100 m fly in his classification S14.
This was the first year that Central Zones opened up their meet to swimmers with a disability. This year and next are the pilot years for CENTRAL ZONES. Other LSC's are watching to see how it was accepted. Well, after the first day, everyone was cheering. Soon central zones ,(looking under Ohio & Illinois), will have an article about the Adapted Swimmers (Richard too) and their accomplishments at ZONES.
Richard swam the 400, 800 and 1500 free, 100 and 200 fly. He scored 25 points for TEAM OHIO and placed 34th in his age group. Without Richard, TEAM OHIO would not have had a swimmer in the age 15-18 men's events. He contributed to the TEAM and was well accepted. We look forward to next year's ZONE competition and hope that other LSC's will open up theirs to the Adapted Swimmers.