Emotional Video Shows Nike Surprising a University of Oregon Runner Who Has Cerebral Palsy with a Professional Contract
October 12, 2018
By: Meredith Cash
Source: Business Insider
Justin Gallegos has cerebral palsy — a condition that affects body movement and muscle coordination — but that hasn’t stopped the University of Oregon junior from pursuing his dream of breaking the two-hour barrier in a half marathon.
According to Anne Francis of Running magazine, Gallegos used a walker as a child but was able to improve his gait enough to walk without one after physical therapy. As a freshman in high school, the Santa Clarita, California, native began running for the cross-country team and strove to run with the UO Track Club in college.
Seven years later, Gallegos has signed a three-year running contract with Nike to become the brand’s first professional athlete with cerebral palsy.