Greenwood's Parker Egbert prepares to represent United States in Paralympics
The 17-year-old is one of ten swimmers on the men's Paralympic team
Share
Updated: 10:05 PM EDT Jul 26, 2021
The 17-year-old is one of ten swimmers on the men's Paralympic team
Share
Updated: 10:05 PM EDT Jul 26, 2021
GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS
The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.
The 17-year-old is one of ten swimmers on the men's Paralympic team
Share
Updated: 10:05 PM EDT Jul 26, 2021
Whether the sun's just coming up or starting set, it's a pretty safe bet you'll find Parker Egbert in the pool at the Greenville County Aquatic Complex."He’ll give it 110% until he has nothing left to give," says Team Greenville Head Coach Karl Kozicki."It just turned into three days a week, to four days a week, to five days a week, then doubles," recalls Parker's mom, Laura.But they're no run-of-the-mill two-a-days. At 3:30 a.m, six days a week, Parker and his mom make the 70 minute drive from Greenwood to Greenville for the morning session, before returning so Parker can go to school, and coming back to Greenville in the evening for his second swim of the day. "He’s never complained when I wake him up at 3:30 in the morning, never once said I don't want to do this," Laura said. "We feel like this is his opportunity."In the water, 17-year-old Parker's a prodigy, with three national titles and three active American records. Between the lanes, beneath the waves, Parker's found peace and quiet.“It makes me feel peaceful and very, very calm,” says Parker.Parker was diagnosed with autism as a young child, and at 18 months old, the Egbert's started more than 40 hours a week in therapy. "I was grasping at anything I could possibly grasp at that would help him," Laura said. "After he would swim he was quiet and calm and peaceful.”He never stopped swimming, and joined the Team Greenville Terrapins a few years ago, where his competitive side took off."We talk and I say 'Parker, this guy next to you...' and he says 'oh, I got him, I can beat him,'" said his coach, Bill Ewell."He has an eternal flame that keeps him trying to be better," adds Kozicki.An intellectual disability meant he was eligible for Paralympic Competition, so when the pandemic closed the aquatic center, the Egbert's installed an endless pool in their backyard. "It was April, and he was freezing to death wearing a wet suit in our pool ... swimming,” said Laura."His world is swimming, but his world is his family, his world is respect,” Ewell said.All in sync, last month in Minnesota, when Parker found out he will be a United States Paralympian.“My husband and I cried and hugged each other," Laura said. "How could we get so lucky for our prayers and our path to get answered? Now we have a Paralympian as a son. All I've ever prayed for is independence and some purpose in his life, and I feel like it's all coming to us at once."One lap at a time, with a quote from Michael Phelps, Parker's favorite swimmer, propelling him onward."The more you'll dream, the farther you'll get."Under his cap, behind his goggles, Parker's dreams, are 50 meters away. "He really puts things in perspective," said Kozicki. "He’s so much more pure in his love for the sport because he’s just wide eyed.""I think he’s taught me how to be a better parent," Laura says with a smile. "I focused on the little things .. is my house clean, is this done, are the grades right. At the end of the day I say to all three of my kids, be kind. Go out there and be a kind human being, because to me, that’s more important than anything. All we want is kindness for him.""Just to see what he’s been able to do, and the joy he gets out of it, that’s the best part," said Ewell. "Bar none."