School officials also told freshman Aurelia Bergstrom — who has been diagnosed with a low incidence neuro genetic condition of unknown origin which leads to global developmental delays — that she had to pass a tryout under the same requirements as other swimmers. Her mom, Krisjon Olson, said the policy change would “functionally disqualify” her daughter.
The parents pushed back as the swim season began but neither the school nor district budged. After the families went public with their concerns, more than three dozen people submitted written comments or spoke at a School Board meeting, urging the Madison Metropolitan School District to allow the girls to swim and support inclusive athletics more broadly.
A few days after the meeting, Shukla and Bergstrom were let back on the team in time to compete in three meets before the season ended.
While the parents said they appreciated the community’s support and the school’s reversal, they told the Cap Times they still have questions about why their daughters were cut in the first place and missed much of the season. Who was involved in the decision to oust their daughters or bring them back also remains unclear to the families.
The parents, other families and advocates say the debacle raised doubts about the school district ensuring access to athletics for disabled students. Last school year, students with disabilities represented about 16% of the district’s enrollment, or about 4,100 children.
The response has also struck a chord with some families as federal protections for disabled students are under pressure from the Trump administration.