U5W3 Rudy Garcia-Tolson

Rudy Garcia-Tolson

Chapter 1 A Hero Who Has No Legs Rudy Garcia-Tolson is an unlikely hero. He wasn't always a talented athlete. Before he became a star paralympic swimmer, he faced challenges. Rudy was born with birth defects to his mouth, hands, and legs. These affected the way his physical body looked and functioned. The most serious problems were with his legs. Rudy was born with a club foot. This means his foot was turned in. He had trouble walking. Everyday tasks were challenging for Rudy, but he still went after his dreams.

Rudy showed great courage at a very young age. His birth defects did not affect his mind. Rudy stayed focused on what he wanted and what he could do. Rudy hoped to walk and play like other children. Doctors performed surgeries to try to fix some of the problems with his legs. But they were unable to fix everything. Rudy had many operations, but his legs still had problems. It looked like Rudy might spend his life in a wheelchair. Doctors told Rudy they could give him new legs. But first they would need to remove his old legs. Rudy and his family decided he would have the operation. A surgeon is a doctor who performs surgery.

When Rudy turned five years old, he had the operation to remove his legs. Then doctors fit him with artificial legs. Scientists have created artificial limbs for people who need new arms and legs. The limbs are made of strong materials like metal and plastic. Rudy's new legs fit tightly on him. He could now stand and move easily. These legs changed Rudy's life! Artificial limbs allow people without hands or legs to walk and hold things.

chapter 2 New Legs, New Start Rudy's new legs opened up new possibilities for him. Now Rudy could walk and run. He could even ride a bike like other kids his age! Rudy's new legs gave him courage to try new things. He began playing sports and learned how to swim. This is when Rudy developed a new interest. He dreamed of becoming a great athlete. He wanted to show people that he could do many of the same things they could. Rudy would not let anything stop him from reaching his goal. This made Rudy a hero. Rudy's new legs gave him freedom to try many sports.