GREENSBORO, N.C. – After being out of the pool for almost a year due to COVID-19, Fort Riley Middle School student and swimmer Kenley Teller is making a comeback as she heads to the 2021 U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, next week.
Kenley, who was born with popliteal pterygium syndrome, first participated in the national championship two years ago, making history as the youngest swimmer to compete in the competition. She will still hold this title as she heads to this year’s championship, which is the first major U.S. Paralympics Swimming competition post-Tokyo, according to the Greensboro Aquatic Center’s website.
“The fact that she’s pushed herself and given herself this opportunity is just amazing,” said Mary Teller, Kenley’s mother. “We couldn’t be prouder of her, and we’re just ready to go cheer her on and have a good weekend together.”
For the past five years, Kenley’s favorite part of swimming has not been the shiny gold medals or plaques she’s won, it’s looking at her time after she finishes and seeing that she made a new personal record. This mindset is something she will carry with her when competing next week.
“Don’t be scared that everybody’s older than you, because it’s not about beating them,” Kenley said. “It’s about improving your own time.”
The competition will take place from December 17 to 19, and upon returning from the competition, Kenley has one goal in mind.
“Keep on pushing forward to keep improving.”
Story provided by Lindley Lund - USD 475 Marketing and Media Specialist