Mallory Weggeman overcame adversity to win

September 18, 2012

We're proud to work with many top-notch athletes as our Ask, Listen, Learn Superstars. Their drive and determination inspires us and over a million kids who have pledged to live a healthy lifestyle.

Mallory Weggemann is one of those Superstars. Mallory swam in the Paralympics that ended just a few short days ago. Just one night prior to the Paralympic Games opening ceremonies, Mallory's classification was challenged by an opposing team and subsequently changed. She went from swimming in a pool with people who had no use of their legs to a pool where the swimmers had most if not all use of their legs.

Despite the new challenge on the eve of the Games, Mallory continued on with her training and never gave up. Her coaches, family, and team all worried that the mental blow paired with the fact that she was now swimming next to swimmers who had use of their legs would shatter her dreams of winning a Paralympic medal. That turned out not to be the case at all as Mallory not only overcame the odds stacked against her to win a medal, but she claimed the gold medal in the 50m Freestyle. She wasn't ready to call it a day at that point though. Mallory was scheduled to be the anchor on a 4x100 meter relay team. When it came time for Mallory to jump in the pool the team was in 5th place, by the end of the race she had won the team a bronze medal and was .18 seconds away from winning the gold.

We couldn't be more proud of Mallory and all that she has accomplished. She took a bad situation and literally turned it into a golden opportunity.

Mallory Weggeman: Thanks, everybody!

June 28, 2012

Hey guys! It's Mallory Weggemann here. I just wanted to take a moment to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who cheered me on during the US Swim Team Trials in Bismarck, North Dakota! I couldn't have done it without you, and I really appreciate all the support you gave to me and the other competitors!

So much hard work and preparation goes into the days, weeks, months and years leading up to competitions like this, and it's so rewarding to see so many people who are passionate about something that means so much to me!

Swimming is my passion, and for me to reach this level of competition and see my dreams become reality, I have had to live a healthy lifestyle and make positive choices each and every day — even from the time I was young. I want other kids today to make those same healthy choices so that they can make their dreams come true, too!

That's why I was so inspired by the huge number of kids who came over to Ask, Listen, Learn's exhibit at Aqua Zone! It was so great to hang out with them, sign autographs, take pictures and talk with them about the different ways to say “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to underage drinking. Plus, I was pretty impressed by how good they were at Ask, Listen, Learn's interactive game! It's encouraging to see young people learning about how to live a healthy lifestyle because that is the first step toward living a happy life and reaching your goals.  If you haven't stopped by the Ask, Listen, Learn booth at Aqua Zone, go over and check it out before you leave!

When I was younger, my dad would always say to me, “You are the best, you can make a difference, and you can change the world.” I would say the same thing to you! So, go be the change you want to see in the world and be an example to other kids by saying “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to underage drinking!

Thanks again for all of your support, and I wish you the best of luck in making your dreams come true! See you after the summer games!