JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Paralympics are officially underway, and a Jacksonville swimmer is fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Morgan Ray told his parents when he was six years old that he would be a Paralympian one day.
More than a decade and hundreds of laps in the pools at Bolles School later, he made it.
“It’s been great," said Ray. "How much the Paralympics have grown in the past couple of years, and the coverage is bigger than it’s ever been.”
Years of training, all leading up to a trip to Paris.
While he works toward finishing his degree at the University of North Florida, Ray is taking a detour to go for gold.
Ray is swimming in four events – the 100m Butterfly, 200m Individual Medley and two relays.
“It’ll be a lot of fun thought just to keep getting after it and getting a lot of energy from my teammates and just having a great time," said Ray.
Ray’s certainly earned the right to have a great time, after years of overcoming adversity.
When he made it to the world competition in 2021, he tested positive for COVID-19.
Trapped in his hotel room, Ray had to train in his bath tub to stay prepared for his race.
“Focusing on the things I can control," said Ray. "That’s what’s really key through this marathon. That’s what they call the games, really, and you have to take it one day at a time.”
Ray, unfortunately, had to spend the opening ceremonies at the Olympic village, in order to be ready for his first race on Day 2 of the Paralympics.
“I take a lot more steps than the average person, so that would add up quite quickly,” said Ray.
He’ll save the celebrating for the back end.
“I will be at closing though, for sure," said Ray. "There’s no reason I’m not going to be at closing. (laughs)”
Hopefully with some medals around his neck.
Ray swims around 4:30 a.m. Friday, but with four different events on his schedule, there are plenty of chances to cheer him on over the next few weeks.