Sports
 

Paralympians example to all

Hear Me Out

Barrett Goldsmith

Jacob Klementich is not normal. 

Most normal people haven't competed in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Barcelona. Most normal people haven't won medals. Most normal people haven't achieved anything close to what he has done.

Klementich, 35, has traveled across the country and around the world to compete in cycling and swimming. This weekend, he will compete in the Multi Ability Swim Meet in College Station -- an event for athletes with mental or physical handicaps. 

For 21 years, Klementich has lived with the effects of severe brain damage, the result of a bicycling accident. Fourteen-year-old Jacob was riding his bike in the street when he was struck by an oncoming car. 

People like Klementich may inspire, motivate or hearten those of us who haven't had to go through the life-changing trauma that he had to endure. But to me, he is just plain astounding. 

These athletes participate in events like wheelchair tennis, basketball and even football. Track stars with Down's Syndrome and cycling stars with chronic brain damage. Watch these people play sometime. You'll be blown away. 

Lance Armstrong's story -- coming back from cancer to win five consecutive Tours de France -- is amazing. But Armstrong was completely recovered from cancer before resuming his cycling career. 

For most athletes in the Paralympics and similar competitions, recovery is not an option. The only option is to rise above the challenge. 

The U.S. Olympic Committee has added Paralympic athletes to its U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame ballot. To vote for these athletes, as well as Olympic athletes, you can visit the official U.S. Olympic Team Web site at www.usolympicteam.com.

Athletes like Jacob Klementich don't deserve our sympathy or pity -- they deserve our respect.

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