I learned how to walk again by the age of twelve. That was amazing, but then I realized I didn’t really know how to walk. That was a really heavy realization. I had to go through endless and very painful physical therapy.
I was constantly thinking of ways to become stronger and cooler, to be that guy that everyone looks up to. Fast forward a few years later, I finally started playing soccer again.
I really wanted to make up for all the time I had lost not being able to walk, and get into my best physical shape. I started playing soccer every day and skateboarding. Some of my training for soccer and skateboarding was running to get my legs stronger, and it just became a passion.
Then I started having injuries again, like broken bones from skateboarding and ACL injuries from soccer. The doctors said you might not be able to play soccer or skateboard again. I decided not to believe them and to keep going. Somehow, running turned into my physical and mental therapy.
That journey hasn't stopped. I'm always running, always comparing myself to other athletes and creating challenges for myself in a positive way.