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5 Inspirational Athletes

I’m not going to name any names here, but certain athletes in the news recently have done things to cause us to have less faith in them. It doesn’t make them any worse as athletes, but for all the negative press about sports stars, we can forget about those whom we really can admire. Here are some stories of athletes that will make you smile.

• Oscar Pistorius – Also known as the “Blade Runner” is a double amputee, but can run as fast as just about anyone. After losing both of his legs to congenital absence of the fibula at age 11, he now uses specially designed prosthetic legs to keep him running. His personal motto is: “You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have.”
• John Maclean – This wheelchair bound athlete didn’t want to take life sitting down, so he became a legend. He was the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Hawaii Triathalon, as well as swim the English Channel. Today, he is the author of two books, and runs the John Maclean Foundation, which helps to assist children with disabilities achieve their dreams.
• Nadia Comaneci – Nadia was one of the first gymnasts to popularize the sport internationally. She also achieved success when she received scores of perfect 10’s, an unprecedented event. Nadia’s view on facing a challenge: “I don't run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.”
• Aron Ralston – Aron left a life of desk jockeying behind in order to go climb the toughest mountains in Colorado. A climb was cut short when he became trapped by a boulder which crushed his right arm. Instead of letting the boulder literally crush him, Aron instead amputated his own arm using only a small knife. As if that were not enough, he replaced the limb with a climbing tool so that he could continue to live his passion. Aron’s story is chronicled in his book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
• Susie Maroney – Despite being born with Cerebral Palsy, Susie Maroney accomplished great feats as a record-breaking swimmer. She was not only the youngest Australian to swim the English Channel, but also swam an astonishing 122-mile distance, from Mexico to Cuba. She has also won the Manhattan Island swim race three times.

I’ve never been much of an athlete, personally, but hearing stories like this makes me realize that you can do just about anything if you put your mind to it.

-Lisa