What started with a fight for survival has turned into a run at the state championships for a Pennsylvania teenager.
Chase Merriweather, 16, had his arms and legs amputated after he went into septic shock at age 3 after contracting the flu, according to ABC 6 Philadelphia.
“All my organs just shut down. And they told my parents, the only way to save my life was to cut off my arms and my legs,” Chase said.
“When I [had the amputations], I had to figure out how to walk again. I had to figure out how I [could] play with all my friends again,” he added. “And now I can show other kids that might be struggling with it how I figured it out, and how they could also figure it out.”
Chase now runs track at Wissahickon High School in Montgomery County.
“This year has been my most successful year because I’ve finally placed in one of our dual mates. I just ran at district, and now I’m running at states,” the teen said. “It feels amazing to accomplish this much.”
Wissahickon High boys’ track coach Don Betterly told the outlet Chase’s athletic ability “surprises me more and more.”
“I had no idea what he was capable of doing … He does everything with everybody else. If I got a spot open, he’s going in,” Betterly said. “He’s very inspirational to the rest of the kids.”
Chase said he has his sights set on the Paralympic Games.
“The Paralympics. I want to win a gold medal. 2028 [in L.A.] or 2032. Either one,” he told the outlet.
“If you keep going and never stop trying … you will eventually get it, even if there’s obstacles,” he continued. “You just gotta run your race. I gotta run mine.”
Read more from People.
