Ultimately, the surgery was canceled, but Michael must be careful. No more contact sports or running. Timed swimming was deemed OK, however, because his body would be horizontal. I confirmed this with Brad Wilson, an exercise physiologist at the University of Cincinnati. Upright exertion requires the heart to pump blood against gravity, Dr. Wilson says.
Swimming eases the job.
Michael was excited. He would remain an athlete after all, he thought. His sophomore year would be complete. Then Kentucky's high school sports commissioner cried foul. Michael must sit out this season because he participated in a varsity sport at Boone County High when he ran cross country, the commissioner said.