Shane Winstead died yesterday morning after a year and a half long battle with stage four colon cancer.
The Winstead family’s story served as an inspiration to the swimming community.
This April, her daughter Madison Winstead, at a the time a senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, competed in the University of Kentucky swim team’s Blue-White Meet. The program granted her an exception so that Shane could see her compete in the University of Kentucky‘s colors.
“It was awesome having our family and friends and all of our support system right there and then my mom right there on the side of the pool watching me. But the reason that we were doing this meet is not great reasons … but today was awesome,” Madison told Lex18 in April. “It was my biggest fear because college swimming turned into the biggest goal and dreams I had for my swimming career and she was just such a big part of it that it just scared me to think that there might ever be a chance.”
You can click here to read our feature on the Winstead family, courtesy Guy Ramsey of UK Athletics.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember reading about this story right before the Kentucky Blue-White meet and tears were streaming down my face as I sat on the pool deck watching my kids practice. I know the significance of finally reaching that college mile stone and to have your mom actually get a chance to see you swim was so amazing. UK is FIRST CLASS for their support!!! Your mom will continue to watch you and cheer you on from the best seat in the house.
I am forever a fan of Madison Winstead and the University of Kentucky swim program.