From being completely healthy one day, to being hospitalized the next, Chris Eckhardt, senior, has dealt with immeasurable amounts of adversity. He has spent weeks in a hospital, yet doctors still cannot form a diagnosis. As a result of being sick, Eckhardt currently cannot swim and he awaits the day that he can be in the water again. His stories of adversity, gratefulness and recovery are incredible, and they deserve to be heard. Eckhardt’s stories have been split into three separate articles, each focusing on a different aspect of his journey. 

Part 3: Recovery

At this point in time, Eckhardt is still unable to swim. However, despite his inability to be in the water, he continues to be a leader for the team. Eckhardt serves as captain of the boys varsity swim team and is a designated “Jug Holder.” He continues to lead and doesn’t let his illness get in the way of him being an active member on the team.

“Even though I am not able to swim, I continue to lead the team by supporting the boys in any way possible. I’ll show up to practice for a while and I’ll make sure our freshmen feel welcome and informed of what’s going on at all times. I help our coach out in anyway possible (we go way back- when I was twelve I broke a state record under his coaching).  I’ll lead cheers. Last year I was selected as a jug holder and because of that, I hold the stature of a captain so I will act like one. People look to me as a leader figure on the team and it is my honor to live up to that,” Eckhardt said. 

Eckhardt has gone to weekly physicals and hopes to soon be cleared to swim again. While the boys swim season has already started, Eckhardt is still looking to being able to compete and make it to state.

“I know that if I am cleared as early as next week it will be conditional, and I won’t be able to train hard, or at full yardage, until at least past New Years- which leaves me no time for High School State. My coach isn’t taking baby steps, he’s taking ‘infant steps,’ because he doesn’t want me to fall sick again. I am hoping I can bounce back and make something happen and help out the team as quickly as possible. I might train a different style than I usually do, and work on my sprints and not worry about distance races, which doesn’t require as much time for an effective taper. But next week, I could potentially be cleared for practicing half of the work load- which is better than nothing,” Eckhardt said.

In time, Eckhardt is looking to have a complete recovery and hopes to be able to still swim in his last high school season. At the beginning of this year, he was slated to swim top 16 in both of his events. Now, Eckhardt’s main goal is to help the team get to state.

“My main goal is to help the team accomplish our goals. I hope to be well enough to support the team to the best of my ability, and hopefully get us to state on a relay or two. That would be amazing,” Eckhardt said.

After making a complete recovery, Eckhardt is looking forward to swimming in college next year. He is currently nearing the end of his recruiting process and is soon publically announcing his commitment.