This week we caught up with Meredith Koch and Elise Morely as they both leave today for the U.S Paralympic Swimming World Championship Trials in Colorado Springs, CO!
Meredith Koch
How did you first get involved in swimming?
Following my spinal cord injury in May 2015 from a piano falling on top of me (#endpianoviolence), aquatic therapy became an integral part of my recovery. It was where I took my first unassisted steps, where I wasn’t scared to try new exercises, and where I felt most like my pre-accident self. My physical therapists allowed me to swim laps to build up cardiovascular endurance and to try to activate my leg muscles in a familiar muscle pattern. By my one year para-anniversary (May 2016), I was independently swimming laps at my local YMCA. I came across a swim clinic run by the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Paralympic Sport Club of Boston at the summer adaptive sports fair. I decided to sign up and go to the clinic, where the coaches suggested I join the weekly PSC swim clinics.
When did you start training seriously to become a Paralympian?
It took a few months after joining PSC Boston to have the endurance to even contemplate competitively swimming. But by October 2016 I was ready for my first official meet and to begin the process of getting classified for Paralympic swimming. Throughout the ski season I swam on my own at the YMCA and then in March 2017 threw myself into swimming. I am very early on in this process; balancing SCI rehab, a full-time job, and ramping up my swim training is difficult. The Cincinnati Para Open Swim Meet in May 2017 really lit a fire within me to do whatever I need to in order to reach my maximum potential as a Paralympic-hopeful swimmer.
What is your favorite event? Why?
I really enjoy the 200 IM because I get to do all four strokes and it reminds me how far I have come since last summer when I could only do freestyle without flip turns. Not to mention it is an exciting event for the spectators and athletes alike since each athlete has different strengths in the pool and thus lead changes occur throughout the race.
“It reminds me how far I have come since last summer”
What has your training been like in the past few months?
The past few months I have been swimming Sundays with PSC, Mondays & Fridays following my SCI rehabilitation for endurance/pain management, and usually Wednesdays for distance. My SCI rehab entails all sorts of gait, strength, and functional training so that has served as my dry land training.
What do you like to do when you’re not in the pool?
When I’m not swimming, I love to ski, to go for bike rides, to read, and to explore Boston with my family & friends. Every few months I love to take a trip up to Burlington, Vermont to visit the healthcare providers who saved my life as well as to eat delicious pizza, hard cider, and ice cream!
What are you most excited for this trip to Colorado?
This meet in Colorado will be an amazing learning experience because of the athletes that are going to be competing. It will be great to watch and learn from, to speak with, and to swim alongside athletes that are up-and-coming as well as veteran National Team members.
Elise Morely
How did you first get involved in swimming?
I first became involved in swimming at 4 years old. My parents signed me up for swim lessons after I almost drowned. I fell in love with the sport and started swimming competitively at age 9.
When did you start training seriously to become a Paralympian?
I really started training seriously late into my freshman year. I received a letter from USA Swimming discussing opportunities for me as a disabled swimmer. Paralympics had always been a dream of mine, but that made it seem tangible. I quit my Y team to join Bluefish Swim Club at 15.
What is your favorite event? Why?
My favorite event is the 100 butterfly. I like it because it started out as one of my weakest strokes, but a lot of hard work and training paid off, and it has become one of my best events.
What has your training been like in the past few months?
My training has been tough, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have been focusing more on my starting speed in races, along with fine tuning some technical aspects of my stroke.
What do you like to do when you’re not in the pool?
When I’m not in the pool, I like painting, reading, writing, and hanging out with my friends.
What are you most excited for this trip to Colorado?
I am most excited to gain some experience and meet new people in Colorado. I am happy to have this opportunity to see my hard work for the past couple months pay off.
Adaptive Sports New England would like to wish the best of luck to Meredith and Elise this weekend! Be sure to check back here next week for the results!
