RAMON ARROYO

 Today I am going to tell the story of Ramon Arroyo.  

I decided to tell his story because I think that it is very inspiring and it  explains well the concept of courage.

Since he was young he loved athletics and was a very good runner. In his life he completed 4 marathons, 3 half marathons and some 10k races. 

When he was 33 years old, he received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. When someone has such a disease, his immune system attacks the protective envelope that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between his brain and the rest of his body.  

In spite of this disease he decided to try his first “Ironman” competition. The disease made him feel every day tired but he reacted training stronger and harder. 

He arrived at that day stronger than he ever thought he could be.  

He completed his first “Ironman” competition in 17 hours and 59 minutes . This was no doubt the best performance in his life. 

He showed his courage trying the hardest competition for triathlets, but above all doing it in spite of such a terrible disease and having no fear in showing himself with his handicap! 

Maybe sometimes our limits are the origin of our courage. 

Article by Niccolò Pipitone