Megan Liang and her coach, Tony Ravnik Photo Justin Liang

Megan Liang, a tenth grader at Campolindo High School and swimmer with Orinda Aquatics, traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota to compete in the U.S. Paralympic Nationals on April 7-9. This was Liang's first visit to this prestigious event, which featured over 150 swimmers at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.

Liang swam the 400-meter freestyle event and finished fourth overall with a time of 5:39.91, her lifetime best finish. In the 100 meter backstroke, she placed seventh with a time of 1:29.67 and placed seventh in the 50-free with a time of 34.91.

"It was a really good experience," said Liang, "and I had a lot of fun competing."

Megan, who had one leg amputated above the knee following a battle with bone cancer at the age of six, swims for both the year-round Orinda Aquatics program and the Campolindo junior varsity swim team. "Megan trains and participates in all our workouts fully," said Don Heidary, co-head coach of Orinda Aquatics, "and her positive outlook and attitude are truly inspirational to everyone on our team."