Man Aims to Compete in Deaflympics

HOUSTON - Duggan Baker's swim coach doesn't think of him as deaf.

So when the email came, inquiring as to Baker's suitability for the 2009 Deaflympics USA swim team, Michael McCauley hit "delete".

But the fact is, Baker lost 90 percent of his hearing as an infant. He compensates by reading lips and relying on hearing aids.

Baker qualified for the 12-member USA swim team; he will be the only Texan on the team when it competes in Taiwan this September.

He is currently trying to raise $10,000 to cover expenses for himself and his coach.

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