A member of Team USA’s Paralympic swimming team made a triumphant return to his former school in Merced Friday morning.  Tye Dutcher shared his powerful story of perseverance with students at Peterson Elementary and encouraged them to always rise above challenges in their own lives.

Tye was a 5^th grader at Peterson in 2008 when he lost his foot and part of his leg in a lawnmower accident.  After the initial shock and fear, he soon made the decision not to let his injury limit his life.  He went on to become a successful swimmer and water polo player at Merced High School before moving with his family to Washington. 

Tye’s talent in the pool then caught the eye of coaches who invited him to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, and his hard work paid off when he qualified for the Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro in five different swimming events.  Although he did not medal, the 19 year old already has his sights set on the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

Tye says he would not change what happened during his childhood because it has given him a greater purpose and an opportunity to inspire others.  He was excited to share his story with Peterson students and staff, including some of his former teachers and administrators.  Tye’s family also joined him for the presentation, which supports the Merced City School District’s Character Counts program.