Liana and Javid Planz have lots to be thankful for during this holiday season. Each has plenty to be proud of as well.
Throughout their athletic journeys, the siblings have encountered tremendous adversity both physically and mentally, and the pair has continuously overcome the odds.
They do not intend to stop either.
For years, each has pursued a passion, and little detoured either from achieving their respective goals.
In the pool, Liana, a 2022 graduate of Belton High School, set numerous school and club records in multiple events, including the 100-yard butterfly, 200 butterfly, 100 freestyle, and 200 freestyle, but just weeks before departing to compete at Queens University of Charlotte, tragedy struck.
Liana was involved in a life-threatening, head-on collision resulting in a broken femur, broken back, shattered wrist, and collapsed lungs among other severe injuries.
Her life and swimming career was altered, but over time, she recovered.
One year after the accident, Liana began competing for Queens and has since raced at the World Championships in Budapest, earning an American Samoa record in the 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle, the World Championships in Singapore, and the Pacific Games in Palau.
Currently, she is attempting to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Younger brother Javid is adhering to a similar relentless spirit as he attempts to mold himself into the household’s second Division I athlete despite outside expectations.
Standing 5 feet, 10 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Javid was often considered too small to excel on the football field, but his frame has yet to be an issue.
Last season, as a junior, the running back made an instant impact in his debut, finishing third on the team in rushing.
Along with blocking responsibilities, Javid carried the ball 87 times for 449 yards and five touchdowns as the Tigers reached the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. He was placed on the 10-5A, Division II All-District Second Team following the performance.
Now, with starting running back Gino Zecca, a senior, graduating, Javid is poised to see his role increase in his final high school season and potentially garner the attention of collegiate coaches.
Regardless of how the upcoming years unfold, Liana and Javid have lots to be thankful for during this holiday season as their stories of overcoming life’s adversities provide inspiration entering the new year.
