INSPIRATION: 16 year old Kayla Wheeler - holds the paralympic swimming world record in the 50 meter butterfly - no big deal, right - until you realize that she was born with NO LEGS and only ONE ARM!

KPTV - FOX 12

LYNNWOOD, Wash. (KCPQ/CNN) - You're about to meet Kayla Wheeler, a 16-year-old swimming phenomenon. She's shattering world records and society's ideas of what people with disabilities can do.

"I got female Swimmer of the Day all three days, and Swimmer of the Meet, as well as a gold medal in everything I swam," said Kayla.

The Mountlake Terrace High School junior holds the Paralympic world record in the 50 meter butterfly. She's competed in Mexico, Brazil and the Netherlands.

"Just when you think she can`t do any better, she does it again," said her mother, Joyce Wheeler.

Joyce started her daughter in swim lessons, after a doctor recommended hydro-therapy for Kayla's disability. The 16-year-old was born with no legs, and only one arm.

"It`s kind of indescribable. I mean, when they announce her name representing the United States, I mean I just get goosebumps all over. Even still, you know? I`m just so amazed that that`s my child," said Joyce.

Swimmers like Kayla are broken into different class levels based on how disabled they are. She qualified for the 2012 London Paralympic Games, but couldn't go because there weren't enough people to compete against.

"I didn't get to make the team because there was no female events for my classification as an S1, which is pretty much the most disabled you could possibly be and still swim," said Kayla.

It was a disappointment, but Kayla keeps herself very busy.

"I'm really heavy in extra-curriculars," she said.

Aside from swimming, she bowls, skis, and plays baseball.

"We always told her there's nothing you can't do. We just might have to figure out a different way for you to do it. And she has really pushed the envelope," said Joyce.

That is an understatement. Kayla is on the rocketry and robotics team, and is taking advanced classes at Edmonds Community College.

An amazing inspiration both in and out of the water.

"I also like being able to represent my country. That`s pretty amazing. Breaking records is always fun too, and getting medals and stuff, but I like really being out there as a role model for other people, I think," said Kayla.

Kayla's good grades and swimming achievements recently earned her the honor of being named a scholastic all-American.

She's now gearing up for her next big swim meet, the International Paralympic World Championships this August in Montreal.