Athlete With One Arm, Luke Ericson, Inspires People With Disabilities To Follow Their Dreams

Athlete With One Arm Can (Probably) Lift More Than You

Luke Ericson has competed in fitness contests all over the world.

Now, the Crossfit enthusiast wants to help others with disabilities achieve their dreams.

Ericson was born missing his left arm. His left lung was also about half the size it's supposed to be.

As an adult, he began to suffer from scoliosis - curvature of the spine - because of his weight imbalance. And about eight years ago, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

But none of that has stopped him from fulfilling his dream to become an athlete.

"It's your body, it's your life. You only get one of each so you want to enjoy your time here on this earth," he says in the inspirational YouTube video above.

"Being healthy, feeling healthy - there's nothing better than that.

"Don't let anything stop you from doing something that you want to do."

Earlier this month, the fitness fanatic set up a Kickstarter page to raise funds so he could make a documentary about his progress as an athlete.

The project was successful, with Ericson raising the $2,500 (£1,650) he needed for competition travel costs and filming equipment.

Writing on the page, he says: "I’ve seen the effect that my story, and other adaptive athletes' stories, can have on people’s lives and attitudes.

"It started off with one or two people, then at my first competition it was hundreds, and now thousands. Every day I get messages and letters about how my story has inspired and encouraged others to push through their own barriers and get their lives back on track.

"That’s why I do this. That’s why I keep pushing. For the people whose lives I can make even a small difference in, I do it for them."

Check out Ericson's Instagram to find out more about his amazing journey.

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