Stephen Guinn has been in the water since he was 5 years old.

The ninth-grade Ringgold High School student said he began swimming as part of his therapy for cerebral palsy. As he grew up, it developed into a hobby, a sport and a chance to compete with a team.

Guinn, who is also autistic, said he enjoys all sorts of swimming techniques, but especially likes the backstroke.

“Mostly, I like to do the backstroke because it relaxes your back,” he said. “It’s like you’re laying down on a bed of water.”

Bonny List, Guinn’s swim team coach and orthopedic impairment teacher for the school system, said swimming is more difficult for someone with cerebral palsy than for others.

Cerebral palsy makes Guinn’s legs and arms very stiff, List said, so he must work harder to be able to use them. He walks with an arm brace most of the time but is occasionally able to go without it.

Sydney Gurley, a freshman swimmer for the Tigers, said she has known Guinn since middle school. She said his hard work shows.

“He comes to practice before we do and he practices a lot,” she said.

Sophomore teammate Chris Chow said he and Guinn have been friends since third grade when they met in class. Now that they’re in high school, they don’t have class together but do still see each other through the swim team and passing in the halls.

“Whenever I see him in the hall, I talk to him and see how he’s doing,” he said.

List said Chow also assists Guinn as needed on the swim team. When needed, some of his swimming requirements are adjusted. For instance, he swims a shorter distance than others during events.

“Even though he’s not up to the same skill level (as the other team members), he’s willing to get out and do that,” she said. “That’s why he’s such an inspiration to his teammates.”

Jeanne Chambers, one of his teachers, said Guinn is an inspiration to her too.

“He’s very intelligent,” she said. “He’s very self-motivated. He never gives up. He just has the most positive attitude of any student I’ve ever seen.”

This is the first year for school-sponsored swim teams. Previously, those who wanted to swim had to join recreational or summer leagues or swim in Dalton or Chattanooga, organizers said.

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