Desert Mirage swimmer inspires all in & out of the water

His name is John Mcallister and he has autism. He is also one of the smallest kids of his age in the valley but you can’t underestimate how much one’s heart can make all the difference. A member of the Desert Mirage swim team, he inspire everyone in and out of the pool. Cody Krupp has his story.

The big smiles says it all. For nearly three hours a day you’ll find sophomore John Mcallister in the water.

“John loves the water, he will be over here in the shallow end during swim practice and all I see is him laughing and smiling so I have to remind him to put his head in the water and practice hard.” Desert Mirage Head Swim Coach Michelle Lutz said.

“It my favorite thing to do.” John Mcallister said.

It started last year with the patience of a teacher.

“He had a hard time blowing bubbles, so I took a straw, something he was familiar with and we blew bubbles each day as I cut it a little shorter.” Lutz said.

Then it was time to give him the swim cap and goggles becoming an official member of the Desert Mirage swim team.

“Being part of the swim team was his ultimate goal. He told me and my wife that he wanted to be part of the swim team and we said if that’s what you want to do we will support you. It’s a challenge for him and he doesn’t back away from challenges.” His father, John Mcallister Jr. said.

So challenge accepted and now he just keeps getting better and better.

“First time he swam the 50 Free he went about two minutes. Now today down to 1:18, he’s improving. He has the whole team behind him. Go John go! That’s our cheer for him.” Lutz said.

“I’ve gotten a lot faster in the pool.” Mcallister said

So with his teammates behind him.

“It gets to my heart how the kids embrace him for who he is.” His mother Samita Mcallister said.

“I’m really proud of John. Even though he has a disability he is still doig the sport with us. Not getting discouraged and I love how our team is always encouraging him to do better.” Senior captain Jesus Nunez said.

“They say lets go John, lets go.” John said.

John Mcallister will continue to chase his dreams.

“Being a video game designer.” Mcallister finished.