Watch: 8-Year-Old With Cerebral Palsy Finishes Triathlon
Malorie Thompson
8-year-old Bailey Matthews didn't let cerebral palsy stop him from living his dreams.
The child was diagnosed with the disorder at just 18 months old. CP affects a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture, often making it hard for those who have it to walk, talk, eat, and do basic everyday tasks unassisted.
Matthews didn't let his diagnosis and limitations stop him, though.
Photo: YouTube/Andrew Cannon
At just 8 years old, he decided to compete in a triathlon and he made it all the way through to the finish line!
The moment he gets to the end is so emotional. He can be seen using his walker to come up to the finish line, but he ditches it at the last minute and takes off toward the end on his own.
Photo: YouTube/Andrew Cannon
A few falls later and he pulls across the line as the crowd erupts. It's incredibly touching to watch and so inspirational!
Check out the video below:
The now 16-year-old Bailey has since started his own foundation, the Be More Bailey Foundation.
He also continued to run and participate in triathlons. He recently competed in the Castle Race Series Chateau de Chantilly event and seemed to be loving every minute of it!
https://www.facebook.com/BMBCharity/posts/pfbid0uYBkMcfVcUH7x5ibowQGb5n6YE2TUp4HBtkiBUuRn2gutSUhQfPqqDDEHMFRZ9CUl
The foundation posts about Matthews races, work, and life on Facebook. You can keep up with Matthews and the foundation here!
