Legend becomes the first person in history with 76 per cent disability to finish a marathon
Alex Roca Campillo has entered sport's history books.
He has become the first person in history with a 76 per cent physical disability to finish a marathon.
A true, true inspiration.
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It's understood Alex has had cerebral palsy since a young age.
But that wasn't going to stop him from pushing his body to the limit and achieving greatness.
And over the weekend, he did just that by completing the Barcelona marathon.
Taking to Twitter, Alex said: "I HAVE MADE HISTORY!
"First person in the WORLD with a 76% disability who has managed to finish a MARATHON: 42,195km.
"This has been possible thanks to ALL my team. Thanks to ALL of you who have been cheering, I HAVE NO WORDS."
¡HE HECHO HISTORIA!
— Alex Roca Campillo (@alexroca91) March 19, 2023
Primera persona del MUNDO con un 76% de discapacidad que ha logrado terminar una MARATÓN: 42, 195 Km ✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻
Esto ha sido posible gracias a TODO mi equipo. Gracias a TODOS los que habéis estado animando, NO TENGO PALABRAS… 🫶 pic.twitter.com/XjnQtDmKFN
His tweet also included a spine-tingling video of the moment he crossed the finish line.
With the passionate crowd cheering him on, Alex looked visibly emotional as the magnitude of the moment became apparent.
Fist-bumping the air, he soldiered towards the finish line before collapsing to the ground.
Seen cheering and celebrating while on the turf, Alex was quickly swarmed by a bunch of photographers as well as his family and friends.
He eventually stood up and was given a medal for finishing the race, sparking yet more heartwarming celebrations.
Wonderful 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/WjOiSc9eK5
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 21, 2023
Finishing a marathon is an incredible feat as it is, but given Alex's remarkable story, it makes it even more special.
According to tennis brand Wilson, Alex "suffered from herpetic viral encephalitis at the age of 6 months, a disease that gave him cerebral palsy", which "affected 76% of the left side of his body" meaning he communicates through sign language.
The article also states that doctors didn't believe he'd survive.
But incredibly, through sheer determination, Alex has lived an incredible life.
“I am passionate about challenges and love trying new sports: running, cycling, and now, padel,” Alex told Wilson.
“With my example, I want to show people that limits are set by us individually.”
Max Sherry