Many athletes that suffer life-changing incidents hang up their jerseys, uniforms and swimsuits for good. Swimmer Mallory Weggemann is an exception.

Paralyzed from the waist down after an epidural injection for back pain, Weggemann has returned to the pool and made astonishing progress. Thus far, she has broken 16 world records and won the 2011 ESPY award for Best Female Athlete with a Disability.

“It’s changed me in a lot of ways – it’s definitely changed my perspective on life,” Weggemann said. “From an athletic standpoint, it’s changed my drive and my passion in the water and determination to excel.”

Weggemann and her coach Jim Andersen are currently using the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Center’s pool to train for the 2012 London Olympic games.

Rita Kovtun can be reached at kovt1547@stthomas.edu.

Practice photos by Rita Kovtun. Other pictures courtesy of Mallory Weggemann.