Editor’s note: This article was a finalist for the America Inspired Contest, which celebrated extraordinary people making a difference across the United States. We invite you to read about these amazing people.

If you want Gabriel Marsh to do something, just tell him it isn’t possible. He will do his very best to prove you wrong.

That’s what he did two years ago when he wanted to join the Guntersville swim team. Last summer, Gabe, now seven years old, completed his second season with the Aqua Cats. Rather extraordinary for a little boy born with no legs and just one arm. Then again, there is nothing ordinary about Gabe.

“Whenever I hear anyone say ‘I’m too tired’ or ‘I can’t do that,’ I look at Gabe and think, ‘Yes, you can,’” said Ann Marsh, Gabe’s adoptive mother. “We can all take lessons from Gabe.”

Ann should know. She and her husband, Edward, foster parents in the small North Alabama town of Guntersville, had cared for dozens of children – many with physical and mental handicaps. But they didn't know what to expect when they got the call about Gabe.  

“When I went to visit him at Huntsville Hospital, he was only four days old," Ann said during an interview at the YMCA. "He was wrapped up in blankets and looked like a normal, healthy baby boy. When they pulled the blankets back, I was shocked. He was so tiny. People were afraid to hold him for the longest time, but it didn’t take long to love him.”

That love moved the couple to eventually adopt Gabe. Since 1995, the Marshes, who have two grown biological sons, have fostered about 50 children, adopting 10 of them. Nine of the children still live in the family’s small Guntersville home where Gabe’s aquatic dreams began.

“We have a pool,” said Ann. “Anytime a new child came into our home they had to learn how to swim. Then we got Gabe and I thought, ‘well, there’s one child who won’t be able to swim.’”

Her doubt was reasonable. Ann couldn't even find a floating device to accommodate Gabe. But when he was two years old, Gabe became increasingly fascinated with the water.

As young as he was, there was no denying his determination. The Marshes were apprehensive, but wouldn't deny him the opportunity to try. With the help of his family, a swim teacher and his incredible spirit, Gabe was soon holding his own, doing laps around the pool. 

“It’s fun,” Gabe said. “I love it.”

Then, in the spring of 2010, Gabe announced he didn't just want to swim, he wanted to compete on the Guntersville swim team, "just like the other kids." To everyone's delight, the team welcomed him with open arms. And open hearts.

"Gabe has the determination of a lion," said Guntersville swim coach Debby Roberts. "You can see the effort he has to put into each stroke. He has learned to do a form of every stroke except the backstroke. Gabe has taught the whole team to never say never."

No one can forget Gabe’s first swim meet. When Gabe dived in, everyone – including the opposing team – cheered him on.

“It was amazing,” Ann said, tearing up. “I will never forget that. It's not about winning for Gabe. It's about being with the other kids. And swimming.”

"But I like the ribbons," Gabe admitted.

Granted, Gabe hasn't won any meets, but for him, participation is the greatest victory. And he certainly doesn't expect, or want, any special treatment – not in the pool, not at home, and not at school.

“He got in trouble just like any child for talking, not doing work, being off-task,” said Tina Whitmore, who taught Gabe’s first grade class at Guntersville Elementary last year. “There was never anything that he wouldn't try, though, academically or physically. He'll always have a place in my heart.”

Gabe also has a special place in former Olympic swimmer Margaret Hoelzer’s heart. The Huntsville native saw Gabe in action earlier this year. (You can see Gabe in action too. Check out the video to the left of this story.) 

“He is an amazing little kid with a great attitude,” Hoelzer said. “It’s a very difficult sport. A million people never learn how to swim and he proved he could do it and be good at it, despite his physical challenges.”

Gabe’s impressive moves don’t stop once he gets out of the pool. He is also a climber – trees, ladders, walls, whatever he can find. He does his best to keep up with the other kids, in water and on land.

"It is unbelievable what he has taught himself to do," Ann laughed.

Of course, he could do even more with the right resources. The Marshes dream of a service dog for Gabe. Unfortunately, they are looking at a five-year waiting list. They recently adopted Sallie, a golden retriever puppy that Gabe hopes might one day be able to “open doors, turn on lights and make me drinks.”

In the meantime, Gabe will no doubt continue to be the self-sufficient young boy who charms and inspires everyone he meets.

"As far as my team," said Roberts, "We have learned that nothing is impossible. Gabe is a complete person who works as hard as any child on that swim team. He is an inspiration to all of us."

Even so, Gabe occasionally asks his parents why he is different. The Marshes don't try to explain what might or might not have caused his birth defects. After all, not even the doctors know for sure.

They simply say, “Because God made you special.”

And after meeting this remarkable young man, I’d have to agree: Yes, Gabriel Marsh. He most certainly did.