MADISON, Wis. -- Hundreds of youth have been preparing for the All-City Swim Meet, which started Thursday, and Bailey Andes is no different.

VIDEO: Watch The Report

It's what the 13-year-old faced before he got into the pool that sets him apart.

"I joined the swim team and have been swimming hard the whole time," Andes said. "When I was in first grade going into second grade, I had some stroke issues with my brain, so I had to stay in the hospital after I had surgery."

Andes suffered several strokes, along with multiple surgeries, hearing loss and other health issues.

But his parents said swimming has helped him move forward.

"He was initially going to swim 50 (meter races) and just go for personal time. Then he announced to me in the car, 'Mom I want to swim 100s.' And he's pushed himself to do that, and we've been really proud of him to do that," said Kathy Andes, Bailey's mother.

In the All-City Swim Meet, Bailey Andes is pushing himself the whole 100 meters, with his parents, coaches and teammates cheering him on.

Kathy Andes said the best part of the swim team is the support and camaraderie between teammates.

"It shows you can recover and do well even after you've had stuff like that. It's never been anything that's slowed him down, that hasn't made him want to be this full player," said Kathy Andes.

Bailey Andes said he doesn't know what the fuss is about -- he just had something bad happen to him. Kathy Andes said Bailey's doctor told them to call only if they notice something wrong because otherwise he has a clean bill of health.

The 2008 All-City Swim Meet began Thursday morning and continues Friday and Saturday at West Side Swim Club on Odana Road.

For more information about the swim meet and schedules, visit this Web site.