YMCA of the Triangle

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Swimmer Davis Carson honored with Determination Award

On October 4, at the annual North Carolina Swimming Awards, Davis Carson, a member of the YOTA Swim Team who swims at the Taylor YMCA and recent graduate of Apex Friendship School was honored with the Andy Craver Determination award. This award is given to a swimmer who during a previous year, best demonstrates determination and dedication to the sport of swimming by overcoming a personal or physical obstacle, demonstrating a positive work ethic and attitude. 

In 2018, Davis came down with an unknown virus that completely debilitated him. He was unable to walk, let alone get into the pool and swim. His doctors were at a loss for his diagnosis. Fueled by his determination to qualify for YMCA National Swim Championships, his days became a routine of challenging physical therapy so he could regain his strength, balance, ability to walk and ultimately his ability to swim. He was out of the pool for 4 months and when he finally began to swim again, it was one breath, one stroke and one lap and one moment at a time.

Eventually, Davis was diagnosed with Secondary Acquired Mitochondrial Disease. This results in a significant muscle pain and seizure like activity in times of high stress, like swim practice and competition.

Just before COVID-19 resulted in stoppage of the swim season, Davis achieved his goal of qualifying for YMCA Nationals. We’re proud of Davis and honored to have him as part of YOTA and the YMCA of the Triangle. Congratulations!

Watch Coach Jamie Bloom’s entire award presentation speech to Davis here

In addition, we’re proud that the swimmers from the YOTA Swim Team were recognized as NC All Star Swimmers and NC Top 5 Swimmers.

NC All-Star Swimmers

Ross Noble

Lucca Battaglini

NC Top 5 Swimmers
Zoe Wisenbaker

Sophie Perry

Jack Humbert
Spencer Jennings

Lucca Battaglini
Reese Stoner

Hailey Hicks
Ross Noble


Learn more about YOTA Swim Team and how your swimmer can get involved.