MJ Ward was born with multiple birth defects, but the Dallas teenager has overcome it all and now has dreams of competing in the Olympics.
"He's obviously got a big heart the way he swims," said Dallas Mustangs Swim Team Coach Doug Moyse. "And he's got a lot of talent, so there's no reason why he can't go all the way."
Now 13 years old, Mitchell Ward Junior was born with multiple heart defects and his organs on opposite sides of his body.
"So whenever I'm doing the Pledge of Allegiance my hand is on the opposite side," said MJ.
"His heart's on the opposite side, his stomach was on the opposite side, his red blood going to the blue, blue going to the red," said MJ's father, Mitchell Ward. "I don't think the doctors or anyone really gave him a chance."
After two heart surgeries at Children's Medical Center Dallas, MJ became a competitive swimmer at the age of 5, winning dozens of medals and trophies since then.
"It's a sport I can do," said MJ. "I can't do contact sports because of my heart defect."
Now his heart is set on swimming for the U.S. Olympic team in 2020.
"You have to be really competitive, you have to want it all and you can give all your effort, and if you don't you're not going to do well," said MJ. "But if you do, you're going to succeed."
"This is a kid that once, they didn't know he was going to live," said MJ's father. "If he wants to do the Olympics and we keep supporting him I think he can get there."
"We had no idea what his future might hold," said MJ's mother, Pamela Wills-Ward. "Knowing and seeing him now with what he has accomplished and what he's able to do, all I can think of is just how blessed we are."
MJ spends hours each week training in the pool and in the gym, building up his strength for the next swim meet.
He's had some setbacks in the pool, but is quick to share his heartfelt lesson.
"If you're facing a challenge, then it's just a set up for another comeback," said MJ. "So be prepared to come back."
