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| Duggan Baker Swam for US in Taiwan |
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Spring, TX. Duggan Baker, a senior at Klein High School, was one of ten U. S. swimmers who participated in the 2009 Deaflympics in Taiwan. He swims for Klein High School and the Premier Aquatic Club of Klein (PACK). He swam 14 times in seven days surpassing his personal best records in 13 of 14 events. Prior to the meets, Duggan and his teammates participated in a 10 day Deaflympics training camp.
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Because Duggan compensates so well for deafness, one might wonder how he could qualify for the Deaflympics. However, because his level of auditory impairment is documented by medical records, his parents realized that indeed Duggan could apply to compete in the this world competition.
For Duggan, his selection for the team and his arrival in Taiwan let him know that he was in the process of meeting his personal goals. While he may have experienced times of uncertainty before the opening ceremony, from that point on he was sure that he could meet the challenge of representing the United States of America.
Duggan’s PACK coach Mr. Mike McCauley wrote in the blog that he and Duggan kept during the Deaflympics, "Obstacles cause some people to break, and others to break records. We ask our athletes to be resilient on PACK. We ask that they commit to the process, and develop in more dynamics than just swimming. Duggan has made his decision about who he is. I’m HAPPY that he’s swimming fast, this is true. But I’m PROUD of him for what he has handled mentally, his attitude, and most of all, his unrelenting ability to persevere when overwhelmed with obstacles. I can’t wait to see what’s next.” To read the blog, please visit www.packswimming.com.
During the competition, Duggan competed in ten events: the 100 and 200 butterfly, free style, and back stroke; the 400 individual medley; the 800 free style relay, the 400 medley relay, and the 400 free style.
When he met his fellow competitors, Duggan discovered that most, even those with cochlear implants, signed to communicate. He was one of a few participants who could speak and speak so that he gives no clues as to being hearing impaired. Duggan, who began as a young child to communicate with signs, has used oral speaking as his communication tool while attending school in the Klein ISD at Mittelstädt Elementary School, Kleb Intermediate School, and Klein High School. His first public school experience was at the Hearing Impaired Co-op where he learned to sign, listen, use speech, and gain the skills for early literacy.
At Klein High School, Duggan is ranked #7 in his senior class. He plans to major in environmental studies in college. He is a member of the Earth Club, National Honor Society, and FFA. Duggan’s mother gives credit to the Klein ISD for her son’s success. She noted that the district matched services to meet Duggan’s needs.
With PACK, Duggan mentors younger swimmers. Not only does he give assistance with swimming techniques, but he also helps to build spirit among the young team members.
Away from school, Duggan likes to hunt, fish, and kayak.
Photo Caption: Duggan Baker, a senior at Klein High School, discovered the theme for the 2009 Deaflympics, “The Power within Me,” held special meaning for him because this world competition helped him discover in himself the ability to adjust to a new culture, to surpass his personal best as a swimmer, and to communicate with other hearing impaired young people who sign as their medium of communication.
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Posted on Oct 12, 2009 15:26pm by admin
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