LONDON (WATE) - Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, honored a seven-year-old Knoxville boy Monday with the first ever Head & Shoulders Confidence Award.
William Watson III received the award from Phelps at a ceremony in London.
William's father was shot and killed in April.
William himself survived a near-drowning and learned to swim to build his confidence. He comes from a non-swimming family and had to overcome a fear of getting in water.
Now William has learned to swim laps with kids up to age 12.
"I just want to say I had the privilege of hanging out with William a little bit at trials. It was an honor to me to be able to watch him overcome the obstacles that he has overcome," Phelps said. "He now has the confidence that whatever he wants to do in his life, I know he can achieve. I want to congratulate you because I know that anything you put your mind to you're going to be able to achieve."
Watson accepted the award while hiding his eyes, but gave Phelps a big hug. His mother was also recognized for her guidance in his life.
As part of the award, Procter & Gamble is giving the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley a $25,000 grant for the youth center where William swims.
Head & Shoulders says the confidence award will be given annually to a person or group who exemplifies what it means to embrace confidence and to strive for success despite adversity.
William Watson III accepts the award from Michael Phelps. (source: headandshoulders.co.uk)
