Visually Impaired From Childhood, Michael Edgson Ruled The Swimming Pool To Bag 17 Paralympic Gold Medals

Michael Edgson is a name that not many of us would have heard. The downside of being a para athlete is that more often than not recognition does not come easily. But in Michael's case as with other individuals, it does not diminish the significance of his contribution.

So who is this man? Well, he is a para swimmer and he has battled visual impairment from an early age. The battle made him stronger mentally and has inspired him to keep moving forward. He proved it in the pool as para swimmer.

As a kid he played ice hockey, football and even took part in gymnastics. Then Michael discovered that while these sports would affect his eyes more, swimming was one such sport that would not have a negative impact on his visual impairment.

He started to take up competitive swimming when he was 11 and from the age of 14 was competing in in both disability and able-bodied swimming events. But it was at the Paralympics that he really shined for Canada. He remains one of their most successful para athletes.

Between 1984 and 1992, Michael won 17 gold medals and 3 silvers. Now that is a combined haul of 20 medals. Truly something to be proud of. A legacy which serves as an inspiration.

He won the BC Disabled Athlete of the Year Award thrice, was inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame in 2006 and in 2009 became the first Paralympian to be honoured with a place in Swimming Canada's Circle of Excellence. After he retired, Michael became the finance director for the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Michael battled a handicap and went on to do well in his field. It is a testimony to his determination and skill that he never give up. A winner in the pool and a fighter off it, Michael is the perfect example of triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.