Today, the AWESOME and the inspiration comes from the English Channel. Melanie Barratt is 49 years old, and her life has been full of challenges. Melanie was born with scarred eyes after her mom contracted congenital toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. She grew up virtually blind and was only able to make out bright colors and shapes. She first began swimming with the British Blind Sport charity. Melanie is now a special needs assistant after winning two gold medals, two silvers, and a bronze at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Paralympics. It’s what she recently did that has proved to herself that nothing is impossible. She swam the Channel, from Shakespeare Beach in Dover to Cap Gris Nez Beach in France, in 12 hours and 20 minutes, faster than the expected 14 hours, and described it as “a dream come true.” She is the first blind woman to ever do it. When you don’t know the meaning of the word, “Can’t”, Melanie, THAT’S AWESOME.