Episode 144: Mohamed Lahna - Accomplishment in the Face of Challenge and Adversity
What would you do if you were born without a femur in one of your legs and told you would never walk, especially, if you were born into a modest Moroccan family with no access to technology or real health assistance?
What if you had to endure the ridicule and shame that comes with rejection and exclusion from schoolmates and teachers who won't let you participate in organized sports?
Like today's guest, Mohamed Lahna, you would hopefully adapt and rise above. You would visit the local cobbler and develop your own ill-fitted shoewear. You would attempt to play sports and participate in soccer and swimming just like all of your friends - even when the odds are stacked against you.
You would dream big and, if you're anything like Mo, you would work your way to the Paralympics with a meteoric-like rise in endurance sports, and, once again, against all odds, you would succeed.
Today's episode is not only a celebration of athletic achievement, but also a recognition of emotional and physical resilience. Lahna provides lessons and inspiration for overcoming adversity as a disabled athlete. But, naturally, these are lessons that all can adopt in their daily lives. He also recognizes those who came on board to help him succeed: Matt Dixon, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and even his French translator. These were people who treated him, not just as a disabled athlete, but a world-class athlete.
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season in the United States, it's also our chance to celebrate Giving Tuesday, which is why we recognize the Challenged Athletes Foundation for the tireless work that they do to keep everyone in the game of life.
As Mohamed says on his website, "Sport has provided me a new sense of freedom and a changed outlook on life. We can do more than we ever imagined if we just dare ourselves to push a little harder, go a little further."
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