I wrote the following article for The Phoenix newspaper for publication on June 20, 2006...
A great inspirational book to read is "No Excuses" by Kyle Maynard (Regnery Publishing). Perhaps you saw Kyle on Oprah this past season. Kyle is a teenager from a small town in Georgia. He was born as a congenial amputee- his arms ending at his elbows and his legs at his knees.
The audio biography tells how Kyle beat the odds with a "no excuses" attitude, instilled by his parents, future sports coaches, and by his own inner faith and determination.
Kyle has faced many challenges and beat the odds in life, becoming a champion athlete, inspirational speaker, college student and even male model.
Even though Kyle played football in high school ( he was a tough-nosed defensive lineman), his true love is wrestling. He lost all of his initial matches, but after hours and hours of practice and tips from coaches who never gave up on his ability, Kyle began winning matches. He even became a state champion. Even to this day, although he has lost matches, he has never been pinned in his wrestling career.
The book not only explores Kyle's feelings and coping skills, but it leans heavily on the influence from his family, friends and coaches as he was growing up.
The book also contains a diet and exercise regimen, plus thirteen ways to live a "No Excuses" life.
Kyle was named the "World's Strongest Teen" when in 2005 he broke a bench pressing world record by lifting 360 lbs.
All this without hands.
He does just about everything any able-bodied person does too, including drive. This is one element of the book I wished to learn more about. How does Kyle do normal, everyday things, like driving, tying his shoes and eating- without the benefit of hands or feet? What are his feelings about dating? How did he earn any money as all teenagers do?
Although I love sports, if your'e not into sports, (specifically wrestling)those sections of his story may be a bit long, as his challenges in the world of sports are profiled to a great extent.
Still, Kyle's story is one of inspiration and determination, and well worth the read. I think it would be especially interesting to other teens and any athlete.
I must admit, when I saw him on Oprah, "walking" into the studio on the stumps of his elbows and knees, then climbing up on the couch for the interview, I felt strange. Not pity, maybe just an uncomfortable feeling, a sight rarely seen. But once the interview began I felt Kyle was just as "normal" as anyone. More importantly, he had his head on straight. He doesn't stress the small stuff, and looks at the positive things in life.
This made me appreciate his book even more.
It also proves once again that one's state of mind emerges as the most important asset an individual possesses.
You can pick up Kyle's story at most bookstores or order it on Amazon.com
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