A major moment in history happened recently, changing possibilities for disabled athletes, everywhere.
Spanish athlete Alex Roca, motivated the crowds of Barcelona over the weekend as he became the first person in history with a 76% physical disability to finish a marathon.
Roca suffers from Cerebral Palsy, a disorder that affects muscle movement, tone and posture. According to Mayo Clinic website, Cerebral Palsy causes impaired movement associated with exaggerated reflexes, floppiness or spasticity of the limbs and trunk, unusual posture, involuntary movements, unsteady walking, or some combination of these.
However, Alex Roca overcame all of the odds against him.
According to reports by Canadian Running Magazine, Roca completed the entire course in an outstanding 5 hours, 50 minutes and 54 seconds. The champion took to Instagram to share his glory – as well he should!
“HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE! The first person in the WORLD with a 76% disability to have managed to finish a MARATHON: 42.195 km. This has been possible thanks to ALL my team. Thank you to ALL who have been cheering. I AM SPEECHLESS.”
¡HE HECHO HISTORIA!
Primera persona del MUNDO con un 76% de discapacidad que ha logrado terminar una MARATÓN: 42, 195 Km ✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻
Esto ha sido posible gracias a TODO mi equipo. Gracias a TODOS los que habéis estado animando, NO TENGO PALABRAS… 🫶 pic.twitter.com/XjnQtDmKFN
— Alex Roca Campillo (@alexroca91) March 19, 2023
His post went viral, and for good reason! In an emotional video, Alex is seen crossing the finish line and collapsing to the floor in tears of joy. He was quickly swarmed by tons of photographers as well as his family and friends.
According to tennis brand Wilson, Alex “suffered from herpetic viral encephalitis at the age of 6 months, a disease that gave him cerebral palsy”, which “affected 76% of the left side of his body” meaning he communicates through sign language.
This is proof that impossible is NOTHING when you starve any options leaning toward that and feed endless POSSIBILITIES. Congratulations, Alex!
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