Real Heroes

Back in February, I blogged about Nick Scandone, US Paralympic sailor. There was a great article in the NY Times. As you may have read on Scuttlebutt, Nick and his partner Maureen McKinnon-Tucker have sealed up gold in the SKUD-18s. The regatta is not done but they have already won on points. Nick has ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease) and it has become increasingly debilitating. Getting to he Olympics has taken an effort that in itself is an incredible feat. Maureen, in addition to dealing with her own disabilities has a two year old son who has been diagnosed with cancer. I found this excerpt especially moving: 

Mary-Kate Scandone has supported her husband every step of his Olympic and Paralympic journey, through the accomplishments and the adversity and through the enthusiasm and exhaustion. This is a bittersweet moment for the couple. "It's everything we've been fighting for," said Mary-Kate. "Sailing and his [Paralympic] goal has kept him alive." In an emotional moment, Mary-Kate thanked the designer of Nick's boat "because he gave me four more years with my husband," she said

After all the hoopla about Phelps and Ainslie, Nick and Maureen are my real Olympic heroes. They are a total inspiration. Sail on guys! Th