When Abilities Have No Boundaries

Kirk Wint’s performance in a 50-meter race at the World Games is yet another example of how athletes are redefining “ability” for the world.

It is 1:56 p.m. on Day Five of the World Games. The hot, unusually humid Southern California sun beats down on the track at USC’s Loker Field. Fans crowd together under the few shaded seats in the bleachers.

Kirk Wint lines up on the starting line in his Jamaica track uniform, taking a moment to wave to the crowd in the stands. We all cheer as Kirk’s physical presence releases incredible anticipation and exuberant joy. He is fueling himself, and us, for the incredible feat we are about to experience.

A few minutes earlier, Kirk was pushed to the starting line in a wheelchair. He was lifted from it and placed slowly on the ground.

When the shotgun goes off, unable to use his legs, Kirk runs the 50-meter race using his hands. Running alongside three other athletes, Kirk tucks his legs under his torso and propels himself forward with his arms. He finishes the race a few moments behind the others. The crowd cheers, and the race is over.

What happens after Kirk crosses the finish line quietly opposes his entrance. His coaches help him back into his wheelchair, and he is calmly ushered away. The moment has no fanfare. There is no explanation or extra attention given to Kirk’s extraordinary achievement. He, like every other athlete participating in the World Games, is simply using his passion and courage to compete to the best of his abilities.

Kirk is one of countless Special Olympics athletes who are challenging how spectators understand this one word: ability. Their performances ask us to consider:

What if our abilities are only limited by our expectations of what’s possible?

I want to personally thank Kirk Wint for his stunning portrayal of ability. For challenging my own imagination of what is possible. For his commitment to compete and do his best no matter the circumstances and no matter the results. I want to thank Kirk for showing up with a contagious happiness and an unwavering spirit.

I do not know more of Kirk’s story. I only know that he is an athlete from Jamaica who runs using his hands. But I do know that after watching him compete, I will never be the same.

Join us in celebrating abilities by following the Special Olympics World Games at LA2015.org and by “recommending” this post below.