NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
The Olympic competitions are not yet over in London, as some of the best athletes in the world are just now getting ready to compete.
That includes one Nashville runner, who by just showing up, is making history at the Paralympic Games.
For Michael Murray, the race is anything but easy.
"I don't know how I made it this far. But it's going to be a great show," Murray said.
From his stride, you don't see his challenges. He has a form of autism, which makes communication difficult on and off the track. It was also a challenge for his coach, knowing Murray can only comprehend one tactic at a time.
"Making sure that Mike paid attention, you know, that I always had his full attention. And working on that one thing at a time, mastering that one thing then moving on to the next part of what he needed to do to become the athlete that he is," said coach Andrew Reynolds.
Murray first took to the track at 9 years old, and it wouldn't be long before he was on the podium. By the age of 10, he was already a medal winner.
And by his side every step of the way was Coach Reynolds. They have been a team for 11 years, and family for even longer. The two are cousins.
When Murray takes the track in London, he'll be one of the first athletes to compete with a cognitive disability. It's a dream realized for him that your disabilities should be no reason to limit what you stride for.
"When you see those dreams become a reality because of the hard work and effort that someone puts into it, then you know there are no doors that are closed to you. It's just wonderful. No matter your disability, no matter your disability," Reynolds said.
"It's a dream to keep your goals. It's a dream. You're going to feel great," Murray said.
The Paralympic Games run Aug. 29 to Sept. 9 in London. Murray is scheduled to race in the 1500m preliminaries Sept. 3.
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