LARAMIE, Wyo. (12/14/22) – University of Wyoming swimmer Jack O'Neil has competed in many Paralympic National Championships over the years. However, last year's competition felt different.

A year ago, O'Neil, for the first time in his career, swam at the distinguished meet as a collegiate swimmer. He did so donning a sacred white cap equipped with the steamboat logo proudly displayed on the side.

"One of the coolest things was wearing the white cap," O'Neil said. "It's something the team values a lot. It represents the team, there's no name. You're racing for the team. Even though I was the only one at the meet, it carries a lot of the weight with steamboat on the cap.

"I definitely think I raced better knowing I was representing the university."

O'Neil is set to represent the University of Wyoming once again at the 2022 Paralympic National Championships. The meet stretches from Dec. 16-18 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

O'Neil – who's in his second year at Wyoming – competes with one leg. The sophomore was born with a left leg that was significantly shorter than his right and one that grew at a much slower rate.

O'Neil has been an asset on the team in just the two years he's been in Laramie. He's a leader in the weight room and on the pool deck through what he says and how he works.

O'Neil is also an improving young student-athlete. He arrived on the High Plains as a mid-distance freestyler and has developed into a sprinter.

That shift means O'Neil will compete in different events at this year's Paralympic National Championships. He's slated to swim the 100-yard backstroke, the 100-yard butterfly and the 50-yard freestyle.

Similar to last year, Wyoming head coach Dave Denniston will accompany O'Neil. And it means the world to him.

"I love having Dave there," O'Neil said. "He's obviously a great coach, and I swim so much better when he's on deck. To have him there guiding me through the motions of the meet is great, especially as I get to this point in my career and my swims are stressful and hold a lot more weight."

O'Neil and the rest of the Wyoming swimming and diving team is back in action Jan. 7 for a home meet against Denver.