(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A north suburban teenager is the youngest member of the U.S. Paralympic swimming team, and an area health care specialist who has worked with her couldn't be more excited for the athlete.
Sixteen-year-old Keegan Knott of Lake Villa was born with a right leg significantly shorter than her left leg. But that hasn't stopped her from becoming a competitive swimmer — or from getting around Tokyo with other athletes.
For the past 10 years, Michael Fishkin has been helping Keegan.
Fishkin is a Crystal Lake-based pedorthist, a health care professional who modifies footwear.
He watched Keegan swim in the Tokyo games.
Keegan Knott, right, with specialist Michael Fishkin.picture provided to WBBM Newsradio
"I'm one of those emotional people. So, I sit there and I'm like, I've known her since she's been so young," Fishkin said. "All I can feel is just proud of her for her work ethic and her determination to get into swimming and to qualify for the Paralympics.
A close-up of Keegan Knott's specially modified shoe.picture provided to WBBM Newsradio
"It gave me chills when I saw her name up on the screen."
Fishkin said Keegan came in 6th in the 400-meter heat.
That's not enough to advance, but Fishkin said Keegan has had "an amazing adventure that anybody can be proud of."
