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William, when he was only 10 years old. He suffered a broken
right tibia, severed left femur and a significant brain injury.
He was in a coma for four days and awoke surrounded by
his family who thought he might not make it. Everyone knew
it would take a lot of work to get Will back to where he was
before the accident, if that was even possible.
SWIMMING AIDS RECOVERY
For some, this might have been the point where they gave
up, but not for Will, and not for his father who passed on his
intense drive to his equally determined son. Powers, who
was a swimmer growing up in Larchmont, N.Y., knew the
benefits of swimming, but did not know that it would take
Will to great heights one day.
“Will was not a swimmer before, he was in lacrosse and
football but after the accident he could only be in noncontact
sports,” Powers said.
What began as physical therapy continued when he was
able to return to school. He trained to run track and compete
with the Badger Swim Club, the same team his father
belonged to when he was a youngster.
“William was always a very determined, hardworking kid
and swimming requires tremendous commitment,” Powers
said. “Within a short number of years, he had gone from
swimming with toddlers to being a nationally ranked swimmer.
It was great for his health as well as for his discipline,
drive and determination … he put his all into it.”
This year, William attended Georgetown University as a
member of its swim team. It was a long, but very worthwhile
struggle for the young athlete who never gave up. >>
ED DRONDOSKI
Co-coaches McClain and Barlow teach the children how to be a part of the Treasure Coast Swimming Club.
William Powers
with his medal
after winning the
500 free at the
New England
Prep school
championship.