A 12-year-old athlete is walking tall after representing his school at football, rugby and cricket – despite having NO LEGS.
Inspirational Callum Truscott was born with both legs missing just below the knee and learned to walk using two prosthetic limbs.
But he surpassed all expectations by becoming a star sportsman at Brannel School in St Austell, Cornwall.
He plays football and rugby alongside able-bodied athletes and just last week hit the winning runs to take the school to the county finals of the Under 13’s cricket.
Callum also refuses to accept a lift to the secondary comprehensive in his parent’s car and insists on walking – even staying behind for dance classes.
Stocky Callum also recently beat most of his classmates in an endurance swimming race after he completed an incredible 1,500 metres – in just 45 minutes.
PE teacher Milo Bright said Callum had not missed a single lesson since he started sports classes.
He said: ”Callum has helped us as a PE department because when others in his group come in with a cold or a bad leg, they are encouraged to take part in PE when they see Callum.
”Having said that, Callum doesn’t get much leeway on the courts or field from the other students at break time. He is treated just like everyone else.”
Callum plays in goal for the football team and trains with the rugby side – although he is unable to participate in rugby matches because his metal legs are considered a hazard to other players.
He also helped his team reach a county cricket final and says his ambition is to be a sports instructor.
Callum said: ”I’m quite good. I think I deserve my place on the school teams. I play as hard as I can.
”I want to be a PE teacher when I’m grown up and I try as hard as I can with all of the sports.”
Callum’s disability means he has to make regular visits to hospital to be measured at the prosthetics department.
He currently wears size seven shoes but his family believe a major growth spurt could be looming – as his grandfather is well over six feet tall.
Head teacher Ray Bell said Callum’s achievements, which included performing in a Bhangra dance event, were ”truly remarkable”.
He said: ”Callum’s achievements show just how determined he is to remain independent, which is a life skill that we all aim for.
”I am very proud of him and our sports department. They have encouraged him to be a team player and that hard work on both sides is paying off magnificently.”
Damn…talk about positive takes on the stereotype about redheaded stubbornness! if he can do all that, then there are a few things perhaps I should reconsider in my own life. If he can, so can I.
Hey Callum, when that growth spurt hits, just make sure you keep doing your sports. You're a husky kid, which usually means a stout, husky adult. Therefore, you really don't want to get fat, rather, make sure any weight gain continues to be muscle. Stay with it, and you'll probably live to be over 100.
Damn…talk about positive takes on the stereotype about redheaded stubbornness! if he can do all that, then there are a few things perhaps I should reconsider in my own life. If he can, so can I.
Hey Callum, when that growth spurt hits, just make sure you keep doing your sports. You're a husky kid, which usually means a stout, husky adult. Therefore, you really don't want to get fat, rather, make sure any weight gain continues to be muscle. Stay with it, and you'll probably live to be over 100.