Daily Herald Contributor
Ali Diehl hopes to make waves at the Los Angeles 2028 prospect swimming competition coming up in two weeks, but before that she stopped off a Prince Albert City Hall for more hardware.
Diehl received the 2024 Terry Fox Award at the City of Prince Albert Council meeting Monday night, something she wasn’t expecting.
“I feel like it’s not real,” she said. “I honestly think it’s super cool and such an honor to even be close to being like someone like Terry Fox.
“One of the teachers at my high school, Miss Fetch, she nominated me for this award because she has seen all my success on piano, and a lot of success too in swimming,” Diehl added.
A student at Ecole St. Mary High School, Diehli excels in the classroom and in the swimming pool and is an example of perseverance, talent and inspiration to her peers, family, friends, and in her community.
Coun. Dennis Ogrodnick said Ali’s aspiration to represent team Canada internationally is a reflection of her determination and the desire to promote inclusivity in sport.
He said Ali’s strength in overcoming adversity inspires those around her is and truly admirable.
Diehl was born with one hand because her umbilical cord was wrapped around her arm and stopped it from growing when she was in the womb.
Despite the setback, the 15-year-old swimmer, who turns 16 in November will be representing Canada, in two weeks time in a Los Angeles 2028 Prospects Camp in Australia. She has been a member of the Prince Albert Sharks Swim Club since the age of seven, and started qualifying for national meets at the age of 13.
“Sometimes it’s difficult but you learn to live with it, especially at my age,” Diehl said. “Obviously, you’re going to be insecure sometimes but you’ve just got to not care about what other people think of you.”
The Terry Fox Award and Citation were established by the City of Prince Albert in 1981 to perpetuate the memory of Terry’s heroic achievement while acknowledging a local recipient with similar ideals. Citizens are invited to nominate people for this award each year.
