UNSTOPPABLE: How a Devastating Illness Led to Victory for This Paralympian
UNSTOPPABLE: How a Devastating Illness Led to Victory for This Paralympian
We’ve all heard the adage, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” And while determination is undeniably crucial for success, what if the most courageous thing you can do is actually stop? That’s one of the profound lessons Paralympic swimmer Evan Wilkerson shared in a recent interview, detailing his incredible journey to winning his first international medal as a Paralympian.
Evan’s story is one that every parent—especially those supporting children with big dreams and unique challenges—needs to hear.
The Road to Paris: A Major Roadblock
When we last spoke with Evan, he was on the precipice of a major international competition in Paris. Eight years of relentless training, countless hours in the pool, and an unwavering focus had brought him to this moment. But then, disaster struck. While in Germany before the competition, an adventurous meal led to a severe case of E. coli.
Evan arrived in Paris feeling unwell, eventually quarantined just 12 hours before his first swim. Imagine the emotional and physical toll: two days out of the water, significant weight loss, and the mental battle of competing while deeply unwell. Yet, even under these unimaginable circumstances, Evan achieved a ninth-place finish in the 100-meter backstroke and helped his relay team break an American record. A testament to his spirit, but at a cost.
The Burnout: A Hard-Learned Lesson
In the wake of Paris, Evan’s instinct was to “outwork the problem.” He took a brief week-and-a-half break, then plunged back into full-swing training for eight to ten grueling months. “I could really tell, ‘Okay, this was a mistake. I should have taken more of a break. I’m getting burnt out. This is getting really hard,'” Evan revealed. He eventually crashed and burned at the National Championships, showing up ready for the meet to simply be over.
This was a pivotal moment. Evan, a usually calm and intensely competitive athlete, realized he had hit a wall. His body and mind were screaming for a pause that his driven spirit had refused.
The Saving Grace: A Break for a Guide Dog
It was an unexpected event that provided the crucial reset: a month-long break to train with his new guide dog in New Jersey. What seemed like a pause from his swimming career was, in fact, its salvation. This time away, focusing on a different kind of intensive training, allowed his mind and body to recover from the immense strain of burnout.
When he returned, fresh for his freshman year at Ouachita and ready to prepare for the World Championships in Singapore, his perspective had shifted.
Singapore Success: The Bronze Medal Moment for a Paralympian
Evan’s preparation for Singapore, guided by supportive coaches and new insights, was different. And the results spoke for themselves. His first race, the 100-meter backstroke, saw him in fourth place in the morning heats. But in the finals, with the music pumping, the crowd roaring, and a singular mantra echoing in his mind—”They can drown me, but I’m not being fourth”—he pushed through.
Touching the wall at a 1:03.05, Evan Wilkerson clinched the Bronze Medal in the 2025 Toyota World Para Swimming Championships. The joy was overwhelming. “It was the best feeling ever,” he shared, describing pounding the water with his fist, shouting with pure exhilaration.
The Takeaway for Parents
Evan’s story isn’t just about athletic triumph; it’s a powerful narrative about resilience, self-awareness, and the critical importance of rest. For parents of children with disabilities, who often juggle demanding schedules and push their kids to overcome immense obstacles, Evan’s journey offers a vital lesson:
Sometimes, the greatest strength lies in knowing when to take a break. Whether it’s a physical rest, a mental reset, or simply time away from intense pressure, allowing for recovery isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strategy for long-term success and well-being.
Evan’s guide dog training wasn’t just about getting a new companion; it was the unexpected month that saved his competitive spirit and set him up for a world-stage victory. Be sure to subscribe to hear more about Evan’s experience getting his guide dog when he returns again next week to share more of his story!
Watch the Full Interview!
Want to hear Evan describe holding that heavy, tactile bronze medal? Want to relive the excitement of his race with him?
Visit the podcast episode webpage: https://waterprairie.com/2025/11/10/paralympic-swimming/
👉 Click here to watch the full interview with Evan Wilkerson on our YouTube channel!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1. What medal did Evan Wilkerson win and in what event?
A1. Evan won the Bronze Medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 2025 Para Swimming World Championships in Singapore.
Q2. What major illness did Evan overcome before his competition in Paris?
A2. Evan was diagnosed with a severe case of E. coli, which led to quarantine just hours before his first scheduled swim.
Q3. What important lesson did Evan learn about recovery and burnout?
A3. Evan learned that trying to “outwork the problem” led to burnout. He realized a month-long break for guide dog training was critical for his mental and physical recovery.
Q4. What classification does Evan compete in for Paralympic Swimming?
A4. Evan competes in the S12 classification for visually impaired swimmers, primarily due to Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA).
Q5. How did Evan’s college coaches help him compete at a world level?
A5. His coaches at Ouachita Baptist University helped him create a sustainable training schedule, manage his time zone adjustments, and found work-study students to act as his tappers.
Q6. What was Evan’s goal in the final meters of his Bronze Medal race?
A6. Evan’s mantra was to avoid finishing fourth, telling himself, “They can drown me, but I’m not being fourth.” This determination drove him to the podium.
