Elliott Moskowy is a real treat to interview. He has a deep passion for his sport, a great smile and an infectious nature which makes the interview easy. He also delivers on the answer side of the equation.
This 25 year old swimmer from Red Deer does like to talk which is somewhat ironic.
You see, Elliott has a form of autism called Asperger syndrome which is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction. His mom just shakes her head and wonders out loud how her son can nail an interview but has trouble talking to a couple of people in a casual setting.
His interaction with others in the pool however is a different level it seems as he thrives on the competition and the thrill of being in the water.
Up next for this young man is a competition which he admits to having a few jitters going in.
“Well a part of me is nervous and a part of me is feeling a little energetic too,” he said as he practices in advance of the Alberta Special Olympics in Medicine Hat July 7-9. “Sure it’s not as grand a scale as the World Games that I went to two years ago but a competition is a competition all the same.”
He says it doesn’t make any difference how big the stage is when it comes to his training. He doesn’t seem to know anything other than giving 100 per cent when he’s in the pool to practice.
He can push himself in the pool for up to two hours some days and then he adds in some cross training at his favourite gym, Ignite Fitness which he says has made a difference in his strength and endurance.
Moskowy flat out loves to swim and the 100 metre freestyle is his go to event. Heading into the provincial games Elliott says he wants to crack the one minute, nine second time barrier come July.
“I’m hoping to complete that and prove to myself that there’s still some great improvements left in me to accomplish.”
He’s brimming with confidence in his ability to beat that number based on how well he did in Los Angeles at the worlds. Moskowy brought home gold medals in the 100 and 200 metre freestyle events and a silver in the 200 IM. As the great Muhammed Ali once said-it ain’t bragging if you can do it.
It’s not all about the hardware for this young man. Even though his social skills need some honing his outlook on what it means to be an athlete and part of a team is razor sharp.
“It gives me a sense of pride to be both a rival and a fellow competitive athlete amongst both my team and other people across the province to show what we’re capable of,” he said, referring to the Special Olympics spotlight.
Right there he hit upon something which is enlightening and troubling at the same time.
Decades ago in Alberta someone like Elliott would be viewed as a problem and made sterile under the mis-guided eugenics program. It was how people at the time viewed those with mental issues and looking back on that era now should make one cringe at what was being done.
Instead, people like Elliott are now given the chance to show exactly what they can do in the world of sports and as a society we are most certainly better for it. Many people are surprised at the dedication and effort put into the sports these men and women devote their time to.
“If there’s anything I’m certain of it’s that they’re always full of surprises,” he said referring to his fellow special Olympic athletes. “Regardless of their conditions and mental disabilities, because everyone may not be best at everything but everyone’s good at something.”
He’s expecting some tough competition from a field of swimmers he competes against on a somewhat regular basis.
“They are quite memorable and are really good rivals as well as friends of mine.”
His opportunity to shine at a sport he dearly loves makes him break into a huge smile.
“Never, ever lose your convictions or your dedication to whatever sport you are in.”
Some great words to live by, from someone who at one time in our world would have been ignored.
I’m glad we changed our perspective.
