Amputee swims across Lake Erie
Published 9:00 pm Friday, September 7, 2001
Associated Press
TORONTO — A 15-year-old amputee completed a 12-mile swim across Lake Erie late Friday, making her youngest woman and first disabled person to accomplish the feat.
Ashley Cowan of Toronto took just over 15 hours to complete the journey, fighting a strong current and a fear of swimming in darkness.
"She toughed it out and we’re very proud of her," said friend John Munro, who watched the swim from a rescue boat on the lake. "Everyone’s so thrilled about it."
Cowan headed straight for waiting paramedics after emerging from the 70-degree water on the shores of Crystal Beach, Ontario, Hundreds of spectators cheered as she went by.
The determined teen began her journey just before 9 a.m. at Sturgeon Point, N.Y., about 12 miles south of Buffalo.
Cowan came down with meningitis at age 2 and her limbs had to be amputated below the knees and elbows. She uses prosthetics on land but not in the water, powering herself without hands or feet.
Before starting, Cowan said she was determined to make it across to Crystal Beach, Ontario.
"You set your mind on something and just keep thinking how much you want it, and you will achieve it," she told CFTO-TV.
Aside from a rescue boat, Cowan was also accompanied by boats from New York state and members of the fire department from Hamburg, N.Y., near Cowan’s departure point.
At the Canada Games in London, Ont. this August, Cowan won two silver medals for the 50-meter backstroke and 100 meter breaststroke.
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