Rudy Garcia-Tolson

Rudy Garcia-Tolson (http://www.oandp.com/articles/images/NEWS_2004-06- (Tim Mantoani))

Rudy Garcia-Tolson is a hero and has been ever since he was born. He is a three time Paralympian, Ironman triathlon finisher, and an owner to multiple Paralympic bronze, silver, and gold medals. It all started when he was born with Pterygium Syndrome on September 14th, 1998. Pterygium Syndrome is a condition that causes deformities in the legs, arms, and face. Over fifteen surgeries in his first six months of life fixed all of his deformities except for one, his legs. Rudy's legs were curled in by the calf so it made impossible to walk or even put pressure on them. Rudy's parents tried everything, but anything they tried, Rudy's legs almost immediately went back to the way they were. After several unsuccessful operations to try and fix his legs, they decided to amputate them at the knee. Rudy was excited to finally be free. He was always looking at the bright side of things, overcame his fears, was determined and became a positive role model. That is why I think Rudy Garcia-Tolson is a hero.

The first reason Rudy is considered to be a hero is because he is an overcomer. He is an overcomer because he accepted and overcame the fact that he was different than everybody else. Although he never could, Rudy wanted to try and do everything he could to be like other kids with legs. He always kept on working and fighting through the mental and the physical pain. He worked insanely hard to get to the Paralympics for swimming. While he was there, he broke numerous world records and won multiple medals. He refused to listen to anybody who told him he can't do it. Rudy loved to prove people wrong; that was his favorite part of swimming. He also set himself a goal to finish the Ironman triathlon in under 16 hours. It took a long time but he finally reached his goals and made an impact on the world.

The second reason I think Rudy Garcia-Tolson is a hero is because he is determined. He believed there was a way to succeed. When Rudy was little he always said "if people with legs can do it, so can I". He also hated when people called him disabled, he prefered to be called challenged. Rudy never let his challenges get the best of him. He never let it bother him that other kids could do activities that he couldn't, such as walking or running long distances or even jumping up and down. He knew that he couldn't be as fast as everyone else but he tried the best he can to reach his goals such as getting into the Paralympics and completing the Ironman. That is why I think Rudy is a hero.

As well as being determined and overcoming his fears, Rudy is a positive role model too. He teaches others to never give up. He proves the world that even though he's challenged, he can do almost anything. Rudy inspires people to work through challenges, he helps people solve their problems and help them reach their goals by supporting their dreams and try and make them into a reality. After Rudy's experiences, he teaches people that even if you are in a rough situation, there will always be someone who has it worse. He was a very active child who has been through a lot. He has been in the Paralympics and started the Challenged Athletes Foundation. The Challenged Athletes Foundation is an organization that gives challenged kids a chance to learn or take part in a sport and not only keep them physically active and advise people competitively, but also to increase self esteem and encourage independence. Rudy Garcia-Tolson is determined, and overcoming his fears, a great role model, as well as a hard working athlete, that is why he is my hero.

In conclusion, Rudy is a great role model and person. He is very athletic and he always remained humble about his efforts and work. Although Rudy was born with Pterygium Syndrome and had to have both of his legs amputated, he never let it affect him. Not a lot of people could do what he did, having no legs and competing in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Paralympic Games. Rudy also is a top finisher in the Iron Man. Rudy is determined, overcame his fears, and a positive role model and that is why he is my hero.