Wheaton's Duquette Set to Compete at International Paralympic Swim Meet

NORTON, MA- Freshman Kristin Duquette (East Hartford, CT/East Catholic), a member of the Wheaton College women's swimming & diving team, was one of nine women selected to compete at the Youth Parapan American Games in Cartagena, Colombia, as the Paralympic meet begins today and runs through October 25.
 
The American record holder in both the 200-meter and 200-yard backstroke events, Duquette is world ranked in the 50-meter back. Duquette also holds junior national marks in the 50- and 100-meter back events and the 50-meter freestyle.
 
Duquette previously competed this year at a pair of Can-Am Swimming Championships. The top Paralympic swimmers from Canada, Colombia and the United States met during March's event in Oregon, while the second meet was in Canada in Edmonton, Alberta, kicking off in July.
 
After being diagnosed with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) at the age of 9, Duquette, who swam when she was younger, returned to the pool her junior year of high school. With her progress as a swimmer, Duquette continues to train and compete toward a potential berth on the U.S. Paralympic team, as the 2012 Paralympics will occur in London.
 
Wheaton's swimming & diving teams begin their seasons in less than two weeks, as the Lyons travel to Roger Williams University on October 28 for a 4:00 p.m. meet.