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elizabeth1

Elizabeth Stone, 17, of Grand Rapids swims backstroke at Ottawa Hills High School during practice. Despite being born with half a leg missing, Stone has been competing nationally in the U.S. Paralympics since 2002 and has won several medals, including the gold in 2006 at the Swimming World Championship in Durban, South Africa.

Elizabeth Stone, 17, of Grand Rapids swims backstroke at Ottawa Hills High School during practice. Despite being born with half a leg missing, Stone has been competing nationally in the U.S. Paralympics since 2002 and has won several medals, including the gold in 2006 at the Swimming World Championship in Durban, South Africa. Elizabeth Stone, 17, of Grand Rapids swims backstroke at Ottawa Hills High School during practice. Despite being born with half a leg missing, Stone has been competing nationally in the U.S. Paralympics since 2002 and has won several medals, including the gold in 2006 at the Swimming World Championship in Durban, South Africa.

Elizabeth Swim Practice 2

Elizabeth listens to her Rapids Area YMCA coach, Nathan Manley, left, during a Friday night practice with the second swim team she is on, the RAYS. "At first I was a little slower, but I make up for it with my arm strokes," she said. Elizabeth balances her time between two swim teams and her schoolwork at Grand Rapids Christian, where she is a junior.

Elizabeth listens to her Rapids Area YMCA coach, Nathan Manley, left, during a Friday night practice with the second swim team she is on, the RAYS. \ Elizabeth listens to her Rapids Area YMCA coach, Nathan Manley, left, during a Friday night practice with the second swim team she is on, the RAYS. \

Elizabeth at Home 8

“At the end of a race I’m mostly just thinking about winning,” Elizabeth said. A collection of medals and inspirational posters line the walls of her bedroom. Among her achievements, Elizabeth has won “Most Dedicated,” and “Leadership,” awards.

“At the end of a race I’m mostly just thinking about winning,” Elizabeth said. A collection of medals and inspirational posters line the walls of her bedroom. Among her achievements, Elizabeth has won “Most Dedicated,” and “Leadership,” awards. “At the end of a race I’m mostly just thinking about winning,” Elizabeth said. A collection of medals and inspirational posters line the walls of her bedroom. Among her achievements, Elizabeth has won “Most Dedicated,” and “Leadership,” awards.

elizabeth-at-home-14

Elizabeth studies history in her room on a Saturday afternoon. Juggling athletics with schoolwork is a challenge for the 17 year old, who gets help from her mom, Linda Stone. If she wants to swim, homework comes first.

Elizabeth studies history in her room on a Saturday afternoon. Juggling athletics with schoolwork is a challenge for the 17 year old, who gets help from her mom, Linda Stone. If she wants to swim, homework comes first. Elizabeth studies history in her room on a Saturday afternoon. Juggling athletics with schoolwork is a challenge for the 17 year old, who gets help from her mom, Linda Stone. If she wants to swim, homework comes first.

Elizabeth at Home 7

Linda Stone adopted Elizabeth as a baby from an orphanage in the Republic of Georgia. “We’re kind of a strange family,” says Linda, “it’s just the two of us.” Linda said she was drawn to a picture the adoption agency showed her of Elizabeth crying. “She really seemed like a fighter.”

Linda Stone adopted Elizabeth as a baby from an orphanage in the Republic of Georgia. “We’re kind of a strange family,” says Linda, “it’s just the two of us.” Linda said she was drawn to a picture the adoption agency showed her of Elizabeth crying. “She really seemed like a fighter.” Linda Stone adopted Elizabeth as a baby from an orphanage in the Republic of Georgia. “We’re kind of a strange family,” says Linda, “it’s just the two of us.” Linda said she was drawn to a picture the adoption agency showed her of Elizabeth crying. “She really seemed like a fighter.”

Elizabeth at Home 10

Elizabeth and Linda Stone face off after accidentally running a stop sign during a practice driving session in their neighborhood. Elizabeth wears a prosthetic leg to walk and drive.

Elizabeth and Linda Stone face off after accidentally running a stop sign during a practice driving session in their neighborhood. Elizabeth wears a prosthetic leg to walk and drive. Elizabeth and Linda Stone face off after accidentally running a stop sign during a practice driving session in their neighborhood. Elizabeth wears a prosthetic leg to walk and drive.

Elizabeth Packing 1

Elizabeth packs her luggage late at night after a swim practice, preparing to leave for Georgia to play in a Women's Division National basketball tournament the next morning.

Elizabeth packs her luggage late at night after a swim practice, preparing to leave for Georgia to play in a Women\'s Division National basketball tournament the next morning. Elizabeth packs her luggage late at night after a swim practice, preparing to leave for Georgia to play in a Women\'s Division National basketball tournament the next morning.

Elizabeth Swim Practice 9

Elizabeth rinses off with teammates Stephanie Fox, 16, of Kentwood, (front) and Marissa Murphy, 15, of Forest Hills after a Rapids Area YMCA Swimmers Practice. “Most of my friends are from swimming or basketball,” Elizabeth said, “because that’s where all my time is spent.”

Elizabeth rinses off with teammates Stephanie Fox, 16, of Kentwood, (front) and Marissa Murphy, 15, of Forest Hills after a Rapids Area YMCA Swimmers Practice. “Most of my friends are from swimming or basketball,” Elizabeth said, “because that’s where all my time is spent.” Elizabeth rinses off with teammates Stephanie Fox, 16, of Kentwood, (front) and Marissa Murphy, 15, of Forest Hills after a Rapids Area YMCA Swimmers Practice. “Most of my friends are from swimming or basketball,” Elizabeth said, “because that’s where all my time is spent.”

Elizabeth Swim Practice 8

One of the last to leave the pool, Elizabeth rests briefly after completing her final set. Not sure if she will continue swimming after finishing high school, Elizabeth knows she wants to go to college and pursue a career as a sports commentator. When asked about the future Elizabeth says she wants to give back to the community that has supported her. “I know that someday I would like to adopt.”

One of the last to leave the pool, Elizabeth rests briefly after completing her final set. Not sure if she will continue swimming after finishing high school, Elizabeth knows she wants to go to college and pursue a career as a sports commentator. When asked about the future Elizabeth says she wants to give back to the community that has supported her. “I know that someday I would like to adopt.” One of the last to leave the pool, Elizabeth rests briefly after completing her final set. Not sure if she will continue swimming after finishing high school, Elizabeth knows she wants to go to college and pursue a career as a sports commentator. When asked about the future Elizabeth says she wants to give back to the community that has supported her. “I know that someday I would like to adopt.”

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