Since he started swimming, 12-year old Caleb McDougal has overcome obstacles and he’s knocked out goals.

Caleb, who suffers from attention deficit hyperactive disorder, has swum competitively for the past 3-1/2 years.

“He has so much energy balled up by the time that school gets out,” said Sheryl McDougal, his mother. “When he gets in the pool, he just lets it all out. Knowing that he loved to do it and how much rest he was able to get from the physical and mental workout. That was the pattern (John) and I were excited about.”

The youth agrees with his parents.

“I have noticed better grades,” said McDougal. “It keeps me focused and gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day. Swimming is a way for me to end the day on a high note.”

McDougal and his mother travel each day to Prattville, where Caleb is a member of the Prattville Flying Fish.

“This year we decided go twice a day during the summer and see how it works,” said Sheryl McDougal. “We wanted to see how it would go, and so far he has loved it.”

Caleb said he participates in 15-20 swim meets during the year, doing every major swim event: the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

For the past four weeks, Caleb has helped 5-year-old Colton Baggerly at the Selma YMCA at 5 p.m. each Wednesday.

“He loves it,” said Rachel Baggerly, Colton’s mom. “As soon as we turn down the drive (to the YMCA) he asks if Caleb is here to swim with him. When he puts its mind to it, he does a good job.”

Caleb and Colton both recently participated in the Central Alabama Sprint Swim Meets.

Caleb qualified for the Southeastern Long Course Championship in the 50-meter freestyle and the 50-meter butterfly.

He has one more meet to reach his next goal, qualifying for the 100-meter freestyle.

It’s just one more on the knock-off list.