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This is the inspiring story of Vishwas K.S., a 26-year old swimmer who lost both his hands in a tragic accident when he was 10 years old. This young man recently won three medals at the 2016 Speedo Can Am Para-swimming Championships held in Canada.

In an amazing display of true courage and hard work in the face of all odds, the champion swimmer trained in butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle swimming to win medals in the first three categories in Canada.

Vishwas had earlier won three silver medals at the para-swimming competition held in Belagavi last year.

His is the story of a true survivor. In an interview with The Hindu, Vishwas recalled his accident, which took place in Kolar: “My father Satyanarayana Murthy was a clerk in the Agriculture Department. Sixteen years ago, I was watering the cemented portions at the home that we were building when I suddenly lost balance and fell on live electric wires. My father rushed to save me from being electrocuted, but lost his life. After being in coma for two months, I recovered, but lost my hands,” recalls Vishwas.

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The fatherless boy and the rest of his family then moved to Bengaluru. Vishwas completed his B.Com degree and took up some jobs as well. He says he became interested in swimming thanks to the support of family and friends who often took him along when they went for kung fu, dance and swimming classes.

At this point, two NGOs, Astha and Book A Smile, came to his aid to help him achieve his goal of becoming a professional swimmer. They provided him with the trainers and infrastructure he needed to go after his dreams.

Next up? “My dream is to take part in 2020 Olympics in Tokyo,” says Vishwas.

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