The story of a Miami high school track star who some thought would never walk again should serve as an inspiration to anyone who has suffered a severe spinal injury.
The Miami Herald recently reported on the young track star’s progress since suffering a car accident that left him paralyzed for a month. The accident took place just days before the athlete was scheduled to enroll at Florida State University on a track-and-field scholarship.
Doctors at the time of the accident said that the track star might not ever walk again. But that hasn’t been the case. The Miami Herald reported that the accident victim is now not only walking again but is also jogging. The athlete, who is now 20, is also helping to coach the track and field team at his former high school.
The athlete suffered his car accident in December of 2010. That’s when a car behind him smashed into the back of the car in which he and his friends were riding. The track star had been sitting in the back seat of the car when the accident took place.
The victim was airlifted to a local hospital after suffering spinal cord injuries and a broken neck. According to the Herald story, only 2 percent of people who suffer the same kind of injuries regain any kind of movement.
The Herald story quotes doctors who say that the athlete made an amazing recovery to get to where he is now walking again. His physical therapist says that part of the reason for his recovery might be his many years of athletic training.
Source: The Miami Herald, “Carol City track star finds new life after accident,” Janey Tate, May 22, 2012