Margaret Hellard '16 Recruiting Profile

I have been swimming competitively since the age of six and have ranked consistently in NC and CO state swim meets during that time.  After a growth spurt at 13 years old, I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis that could only be corrected by spinal fusion surgery.  The surgery and recovery kept me out of the pool for 6 months. Because of the amount of time I would have to take off of swimming and the loss of some flexibility many believed that I would never be able to move past this physically. As soon as they voiced these concerns, however, I was determined to prove them wrong. When I was able to return to swimming, I worked harder than ever before, pushing myself to my breaking point and, unfortunately, past it.  Because of my determination to get back quickly, I did not take the time to re-adjust my strokes and build up my core strength which resulted in more pain than I have ever dealt with before.  During the Spring and Summer of 2014 I had to regroup, retrain my body through intense physical therapy, and work to change swim habits that were ingrained in me since I was a child.

Coming back from my surgery was, without doubt, difficult. There were many times that I struggled to maintain a positive attitude because of the pain and obstacles which accompany spinal fusion surgery. However, no matter what I was feeling inside, I refused to let it show in my life or affect my school work.  I have consistently maintained a 4.0 or better. Even if I was close to giving up, I put a smile on my face and pushed through each day the best I could.  With the help of my coaches, my physical therapist, and especially my family, I was able to push past the pain and get to experience again what it feels like to not only compete but enjoy swimming again. This year I am finally getting to see the all work I have put into my recovery pay off. My times are consistently improving.  Even though I still feel some pain in my back, I have learned how to work through it and refuse to look at it as an obstacle, but instead as an opportunity to make myself stronger.

My scoliosis surgery and recovery have not been enjoyable, but the experience has truly made me stronger and has taught me to never give up, no matter how bad things may seem. This experience, as a whole, has sparked a desire in me to help people who face similar challenges. I would like to pursue a degree in sports medicine. This major encompasses what I love about physical therapy, and will enable me to share in the training and rehabilitation of swimmers and other athletes. Perhaps I will even have the opportunity to help an athlete recover from a surgery similar to my own.