Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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THE RACE — The old saying goes, “Nothing is impossible,” and the adage seems more real now than it ever has before.
Justin Gallegos, a junior at the University of Oregon, belongs to the school’s running club. Gallegos also has cerebral palsy, but he doesn’t let that define him or stand in his way. According to a fantastic article on SI.com by Charlotte Carrol, Gallegos has gone from a toddler and preschooler who needed a walker, to a runner who now has a goal of breaking the two-hour mark in a half marathon.
Gallegos is an inspiration to his teammates, family and friends and now, with the help of Nike, he will inspire millions around the world.
This video captures a truly incredible moment when Nike presented Gallegos with a contract to become a Nike athlete. He is the first Nike-contracted athlete with cerebral palsy.
John Douglass, Nike’s insights director, surprised Gallegos after a recent race on World Cerebral Palsy Day and presented the runner with the contract. Gallegos’ reaction is priceless and will get you right in the feels: He is completely overcome with emotion. Gallegos later took to Instagram afterward to let everyone know what that moment felt like.
“Today I made Nike history and became the very first athlete with cerebral palsy to sign a contract with Nike!" Gallegos posted on Instagram. "You don’t realize how realistic and emotional your dreams are until they play out before your very eyes!”
Yesterday's Have You Seen This?
Have You Seen This? Sculptor turns pumpkin into cyclops with moving eye
It's pumpkin carving season and here's some inspiration — if you can live up to the challenge.Congrats, Justin, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.
Share this video out and make someone’s day.
