Colorado swimmer earns honor and qualifies for state, overcoming cystic fibrosis

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For senior swimmer Cayson Kastl at Doherty High School, each lap within the pool comes with challenges most athletes by no means face.

Kastl, who lives with cystic fibrosis, was just lately named Swimmer of the Year within the Colorado Springs Metro League and has certified for the state meet in two relay occasions for Doherty High School. Those are simply a few the explanations he was chosen as KOAA’s Athlete of the Week.

“I was walking up to get the award and trying not to cry,” Kastl defined. “Knowing that I’m the person that kind of likes to be a hard worker and stay in the background … having that moment to be appreciative of all the hard work I put in, seeing that I was the top out of so many great swimmers in my league, I think that was just such a special moment.”

Kastl stated he was recognized with cystic fibrosis simply weeks after delivery and has spent his life balancing therapies, drugs and respiratory therapies whereas competing in a sport constructed round lung operate and endurance.

“Joining swim is definitely the biggest challenge because that’s a sport that relies a lot on lung function and endurance,” Kastl stated. “I was worried that I was going to lack.”

He described a every day routine crammed with therapies and drugs earlier than ever stepping onto the pool deck.

“I do a lot of breathing treatments that help shake up the mucus that is in my lungs,” he acknowledged. “Countless times I take multiple medications throughout morning and night.”

Despite these obstacles, Kastl helped lead Doherty to the state meet, the place he’ll compete within the 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay. He thought he was solely competing in a single occasion till the day of the interview, when he realized his coach needed him in each.

“I’m super nervous,” Kastl stated. “But I think with how much hard work I’ve put in with these guys, I’m super excited for the chance to bring out what I’ve got left.”

Doherty coach Dee Medbury, who has coached swimming for 25 years, stated Kastl’s willpower stands out even amongst hundreds of athletes she has labored with.

“He pushes through when his body doesn’t want him to,” Medbury stated. “He’s just absolutely amazing.”

Medbury stated Kastl’s management goes past instances and medals.

“He has this quiet strength leadership that a lot of the younger boys love him and respect him a lot,” she stated.

Kastl’s mom, Brenda Kastl, stated her son has by no means allowed cystic fibrosis to outline him.

“He doesn’t want to be known for, ‘Oh, Cayson’s good because he has cystic fibrosis,’” Brenda stated. “He wants to be known for, ‘Wow, look at the hard work he’s putting in.’”

Brenda stated her son continues to push ahead in athletics, teachers and group service, together with serving as a Make-A-Wish champion and sustaining robust grades.

“He just goes,” Brenda Kastl stated. “He continues to go.”

After commencement, Kastl plans to proceed swimming at Adams State University whereas finding out kinesiology.

“The dreams are bigger than the illness I have,” Kastl stated. “I have high goals, and I really want to accomplish those things.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been transformed to this platform with the help of AI. Our editorial crew verifies all reporting on all platforms for equity and accuracy.

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