No Limits! When Caleb was born with Down syndrome 15 years in the past, we determined to lift him like a neuro-typical baby as a lot as attainable, which meant attempting new sports activities and actions too.
We by no means dreamed he’d change into a triathlete, however right here we’re.
Nearly two years in the past, we enrolled him in a motorbike camp.
It took lots of work, sweat and extra work, however he turned an unbiased bike-rider! We have been thrilled, however then we challenged him to finish the Sofa-to-5K working program provided via our regional Particular Olympics.
Once more, it was lots of work, and extra sweat, however he accomplished his first 5K race within the fall of 2020. Then one thing huge occurred. Particular Olympics opened up their Triathlon program to the whole state of Florida. We determined to “give it a tri”. That’s when the actual work started!
Since January 2021, Caleb has been coaching exhausting 6 days every week. Swimming, biking, working, lifting weights, rowing…working to pursue his aim of ending a full-sprint triathlon; 400-meter swim/10.5 mile bike/5K run.
In July 2021, that dream got here true, and Caleb turned the youngest individual with Down syndrome (at age 14) to finish a full-sprint tri. Since then, he’s gone on to finish 6 extra, and has his eyes set on an Olympic Distance tri within the coming 12 months.
He competed on the Particular Olympics USA Video games and might be competing later this summer season on the USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Nationals, together with Age Group Nationals. Caleb can also be the youngest ambassador for the USA Triathlon Basis – his platform is to encourage youth of ALL skills to pursue health and wholesome residing targets (and take a look at triathlon!)
We’re so very pleased with Caleb. Not solely has he proved time and time once more his dedication to this sport, however we love the truth that he’s a job mannequin for different younger folks. Individuals with Down syndrome, or any differing skill, can absolutely dwell a wholesome life-style. Train, consuming proper and having a constructive angle may also help not solely bodily, however mentally and emotionally too.
Caleb has a vivid future forward of him and we’re able to assist him in all his desires and targets. The sky’s the restrict! Observe his journey on his social media: Calebs Crew (FB/IG)
