Asthma and Human Excellence

Abstract

In this issue, our Asthma and Human Excellence section continues to focus on young adults who have achieved excellence despite the fact that they have had asthma for most of their lives. In continuing our precedent of presenting biographies of individuals who have recently been awarded the “National Asthma Athlete of the Year,” Michael J. Doyle will be the recipient of the 1988 National Asthma Athlete award. Michael has lived in Marietta, Georgia all of his life. Michael was first diagnosed as having asthma when he was approximately 10 years of age and had considerable difficulty during his early teen years with any respiratory tract infection he contracted as well as significant exercise-induced asthma. Despite this, Michael has excelled throughout his high school career in both academics and in athletics. Recognizing that swimming is one of the best activities for asthmatic youngsters, Michael pursued training in swimming and achieved numerous awards, including placing in the top ten in his state meet and receiving a certificate as a United States Swimming— Georgia All Star Swimmer. As a member of his high school swim team he won many awards in both individual and team events.