Manison, who was diagnosed with transverse myelitis when he was 16, worked to make swimming more accessible regardless of finances or physical abilities. Stock photo via Jack Spitser/Spitser Photography
John Manison, the founder of the non-profit swim school Stride Aquatics, died in September at the age of 32. Manison was an active member of the swimming community for many years, starting as a teenager, and dedicated himself to giving back to others through his role as a swim coach and his non-profit.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1993, Manison moved to North East, Pennsylvania, with his family as a child. Growing up, he participated in an array of sports, including skiing and baseball, but did not express interest in aquatic sports until he was nearing the end of high school…