Extol Sports May 2017 | Page 11

B EDITOR’S NOTE efore you dive into the Extol Sports swim issue, I’d like to help navigate the (figurative) waters by directing you to a few must-read pieces, the first of which has nothing to do with swimming, but is a story about a man who made a choice to plunge headfirst into fighting for his life. Jeff Nunn is a senior contributor for Cardinal Sports Zone and now a monthly writer for Extol Sports. His depth of knowledge is immense, but it wasn’t until the two of us had an informal conversation that I learned about the incredible adversity he has faced. Instead of writing about athletics, in this issue, Jeff gives a first-person account (page 26) that is harrowing, heart-warming and inspiring. I am grateful he chose to share his story with our readers. Speaking of inspiration, Marjorie Vowels found just that at her local YMCA swim classes. The 84-year-old shares her journey (page 10) along with advice that can be applied at any age. Within these pages, you’ll also find stories about classes for kids at Home of the Innocents (page 24), true talk about protecting your skin by Dr. Jae Jung, oncologic dermatologist at the Norton Cancer Institute (page 12), a beautiful fashion spread by photographer Antonio Pantoja featuring handmade suits by Louisville resident Laura Patterson (page 18) and a thriller about University of Louisville athlete Mallory Comerford written by 790 KRD’s Howie Lindsey (page 32). In this issue, you’ll also find so much more, including an update that surprised even me because it was about one of Extol’s team members. Art Director Adam Kleinert has struggled with hypertension for years, though if you saw him in person you’d never guess that. He looks to be the picture of health and has since the day I met him years ago. You never know what the person next to you is battling, but Adam has an amazing update about his health that his wife, Kristin, shares (page 45) in this issue. Check it out. It just might inspire you to make some changes in your life. I know it has for me. Once again, thank you for taking the time to pick us up. Truly, Angie Fenton Extol Sports Editor in Chief 9