Among the most interesting feats that we witnessed over the Global Open Water Swimming Conference weekend was the simple action of feeding and drinking by Craig Dietz.

Dietz, a man born without arms or legs, would grab his water bottles with his teeth and simply guzzle down his water and Gatorade. No sympathy and pity was felt; the man downed his hydration as quickly and as efficiently as any two-armed marathon swimmer.

But what was even more impressive was when he finished his 5km swim and he walked out of the water. Head held high, he complained of the salt water and needed hydration. “I am not used to the salt water, can you get something cold for me,” he asked the race officials.

They ran over a cool bottle to him and sat it on the white sand. Casually, Dietz bent over and untwisted the cap with his teeth and then guzzled the drink. Smiling with the bottle between his teeth, his actions were as smooth and natural as could be. Humble and athletic, friendly and inspirational, Dietz was a man simply following his athletic dreams as best he could.

And watching him refresh himself on the shore with a simple water bottle was a scene that will never be forgotten.

Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source