Sue Moucha just keeps going. The four-time paralympian and world record holder was recently featured in the “On The Journey” column of Tampa Bay’s Fox News. Moucha, who’s been a USMS member since 1986 and swims with Florida Maverick Masters, was born with cerebral palsy, which affects most of her right side. Moucha has managed to shatter any misconception about what it means to be disabled. She swims 4-5 times a week about 3000 yards per practice session. She holds world records and American records from the International Paralympics Committee. “All my swimming, whether it be practice or competing at a meet or open water event is able-bodied. That is a milestone for me. I swim for therapy and because I love the sport. I love the competition and the respect I have from my fellow swimmers,” Moucha says. View the "On the Journey" piece for more on this inspirational swimmer.

Florida Sanctions Chair Sue Moucha is featured in a St Petersburg Times article on January 5, 2007 "A winner at athletics, but more so in life" by Ernest Hooper. She wrote the December 2006 USMS Fitness Article of the Month, From Therapy to a World Record. In 2003 Sue received the Florida LMSC's first Overcoming Adversity Award.

She writes her story below:

Masters swimming has given me the opportunity to stay fit. Having had years of physical therapy growing up, I refuse to let all those years go to waste. Swimming is the ideal situation for me.

Being a very goal oriented person, swimming has enabled me to set goals, see the benchmarks along the way (daily practice sessions), and fulfill my goals (swim meet events). Swimming has given me a concrete purpose for all my training sessions, and swimming has enabled me to say, "I have a gold medal and own a world record" (World Disabled Swimming Championships, New Zealand, 1998—4x50 free relay). Also, I am a four-time Paralympian with five swimming medals.

One must set a goal, always remain focused on the goal, constantly work towards the goal, and never give up until the goal is obtained.

Swimming has afforded me the opportunity to compete against disabled athletes, and the confidence to take the next step—compete against able-bodied athletes. I enjoy challenging my potential constantly. Swimming did not come easy to me. I had to change my attitude and start small. I would concentrate on being out in the fresh air. The accessibility to year-round swimming with coaching allows me to constantly work at my stroke efficiency. I am having fun!

Being a very serious minded person, swimming has been the means for me to succeed over the years. To be content with what I have accomplished but not complacent. Swimming has enabled me to move forward in life.