ABOUT ANDREW PETERSON
Special Olympian, 21, Indianapolis
Andrew Peterson was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Running has provided him with a healthy way to channel energy and a platform to succeed, both as an athlete and as a motivational speaker on the topic of intellectual disabilities. Speaking with him, quite frankly, moved the judges to tears.
FROM ANDREW PETERSON'S ENTRY
Describe yourself in one word:
"Relentless"
How did you start running?
"I was always in trouble at recess in second grade. Because of my intellectual disability, I didn't understand game rules and played too rough. Rather than standing in detention, my father asked if I could walk laps around the playground. Soon I was running them. I wasn't the fastest kid at school, but no one could run as far. At age 9, I ran my first 3K with my father and didn't stop once. In middle school I joined the cross country team even though the coach tried to say I couldn't since I had a disability."
What is the running accomplishment you are most proud of?
"After earning four varsity letters in high school cross country, my next goal was competing in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in Princeton, New Jersey. For two years I trained six days per week and found top runners to push me to a higher level. They did just that. At the USA Games in June, I earned not one but three gold medals in the 1500M, 3000M and 5000M. Although I struggled in my first two preliminaries, I ran two personal bests in the finals: 4:47 in the 1500 and 10:22 in the 3000. No one could keep up."
Why is running important to you?
"Running is important to me because I can succeed. Although I like to have a partner, I can always run on my own - either in my neighborhood or on a nearby trail. I am able to push my body and feel good about myself. I like that feeling. For several years I have motivated many Special Olympics athletes to believe in themselves, train harder and improve their times. Running has also allowed me to inspire hundreds of people on and off the track. Last year I started speaking to high school students about including others and accepting them."
The video above was provided by Andrew's family as part of his contest entry.
MORE ABOUT THE COVER CONTEST
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