Every day on Imgur we see personal and unique stories from our community. We are so proud that so many people chose to come here to tell their story. A few weeks ago, we saw a post that stood out as being something extra special.
It was from Cody Miller, a swimmer who was born with a condition called Pectus Excavatum which puts stress on the respiratory system. “Doctors have said my maximum breathing capacity is likely reduced by 12-20%,” Cody explained in his post below.
Overcoming disadvantages. My Journey to the OLYMPICS! Thank you everyone so much!
Despite this, he has dedicated his life to being a swimmer, and a pretty damn good one at that. His post goes on to explain that, for the first time in his life, he had the chance to qualify for the Olympics. “Only 2 athletes per event qualify for the Olympic Games. 2 swimmers to represent the U.S.A in the 100 meter breast stroke… I’d been dreaming about this moment my entire life. One wrong move and it’s over… The pressure of a life long dream… Years and years of training. Thousands and thousands of hours of preparation for a race that lasts 59 seconds… 2 lengths of the pool… 1 start… 1 turn… 1 finish… 1 moment… 1 opportunity..”
And he did it.
Since qualifying he continued to post to Imgur, sharing his updates from the Olympic training camp with his amazing towel choices…
Imgurian Olympian doesn't follow the rules!
…and even better onesie taste.
Brought my LOBSTER suit to USA OLYMPIC training camp! Obviously…
We next heard from Cody from Brazil in the Olympic village, which was incredible to have someone living the Olympic experience that we can only read about.
Levitating Hair & Olympic Village Insight
Then, so suddenly, Cody’s moment had arrived. Over the weekend, he would have two preliminary heats, and if he was fast enough, would make it to the final. The entire Imgur community was rooting for him every step of the way.
His first preliminary heat went well – he came third with his time under 1 minute.
Well done Cody! Imgur's Olympic swimmer
His second preliminary heat went even better — he was second fastest, being only beaten by the World Record Holder. This meant he had a shot at winning a medal as he had made to the finals.
Cody Miller 2nd going into finals tomorrow! Let's cheer our boy on!!!
As his final race loomed, everyone on Imgur was wishing him the best and waiting with such excitement to see the race.
imgurians unite! let's cheer cody to gold!
Then, on Sunday evening, it was time. For one race, the community forgot about which countries to root for but became united as Team Imgur, cheering for Cody and all he had worked hard for. As he stepped up the diving board, we held our collective breath. Whatever the outcome, we would be proud of him.
Cody Miller is Racing
HE DID IT! He got Bronze and the community explored with jubilation. They showed it how they know best; with a lot of posts.
Congratulations to Cody Miller!
imgur loves @BatmansBreastroke
CONGRATULATIONS CODY MILLER!!!!
He even gave us a shout-out in his post race interview.
Imgur just got thanked on national television
Not only did Cody get a medal, he also broke the America’s record for that race.
CODY MILLER IS A ROCKSTAR
Because of his triumph and his amazing loyalty to Imgur he has been dubbed our Swimguiran.
SWIMGURIAN
August 7th will forever be remembered as the day a member of our community won an Olympic medal.
Cody Miller wins bronze, and he thanked IMGUR in his interview (among others like family, etc.)
The post Cody, our Olympic Swimgurian appeared first on The Imgur Blog.