Training for the Paralympics

Friday, December 11, 2009

1 of 15

Eric McDaniel Jr. suffered a stroke that caused partial paralysis during an Army exercise.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Eric McDaniel Jr. suffered a stroke that caused partial paralysis during an Army exercise.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Gary O'Neal was injured while serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Seattle resident Natalie McCarthy, 22, came to Austin to participate in the camp. McCarthy, who lost her sight 12 years ago, learned to row five years ago. `I had to learn in a very different way - through verbal direction as opposed to watching experienced rowers.'

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Pat Font, who lost his leg in a car accident, is determined to qualify for the Paralympic Games.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Emma Preuschl, who won a silver medal in the 2008 Paralympic Games, has Erb's palsy. She was one of the rowers taking part in a development camp at the Texas Rowing Center.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Chris Livesay was shot through the knee while serving in Iraq.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Chris Livesay listens to instruction from coach Pat Brown during practice at the Texas Rowing Center.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Rowers, including Chris Livesay, row during a practice at the Texas Rowing Center.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

The Texas Rowing Center hosted disabled athletes, including some veterans, to participate in a rowing camp to try out for the national Paralympic Games rowing team.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Kara Roth dismounts the boat after rowing practice at the Texas Rowing Center.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Chris Livesay listens to instruction from coach Pat Brown during practice at the Texas Rowing Center.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Natalie McCarthy helps other athletes put the boat in the water.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Chris Livesay prepares to row with other athletes during practice at the Texas Rowing Center.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Chris Livesay gets help strapping in his prosthetic leg from coach Pat Brown during practice.

Sorry, this image could not be loaded.

Click here to refresh.

(Benjamin Sklar FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Chris Livesay pushes off to start practice.

Buy This Photo