Alva Review-Courier -

METUCHEN, N.J. (AP) — Every dive into the pool is a victory for Michael McQuay.

Each breaststroke. Each backstroke. Each freestyle relay.

They all boldly defy the grim prognosis that doctors delivered to McQuay's parents nearly 15 years ago. Autism would prevent McQuay from ever walking, they said. He would never talk or be able to perform the most basic of tasks.

"And now," said Michael's mother, Maria, "look at him."

Michael, who turns 21 in July, has won so many medals while swimming competitively over the last several years that he has lost count. He has stood on podiums at local and state...