Going for the Gold: Isaac's Story of Success

Isaac is in many ways an average kid. He loves basketball, hanging out with his friends and competing in sports.

But what most people may not know about Isaac is that he is a gold medalist. He’s won multiple gold medals for his home country of Mexico, and is just getting started.

A junior high school student from Monterrey, Mexico, Isaac first started competing in sports at the age of 9. Born with a limb difference where one of his legs never developed past the knee, Isaac’s mother first reached out to Shriners Children's when he was only 5 months old. A few months later, they made their first trip to Shriners Children's Texas, where he was fitted for a prosthetic. Isaac’s mom felt determined to support him no matter what, and encouraged him to become involved in sporting competitions in his region. Little did she know that this would lead to Isaac gaining national recognition, winning multiple awards and inspiring countless others along the way.

Isaac said he was originally reluctant to get involved with his school’s track team, but his mother was persistent because she knew he would enjoy it. He’s now grateful that she was so insistent. Isaac hopes to grow up and become a motivational speaker, and share his winning story with other people. "I'd like to be a representative for kids like me and try to help others," Isaac said.

His mother said she is very proud of his success in the Paralympics, but is more proud that he chose to get out of his comfort zone and do something that ultimately challenged him. “I’ll be by his side no matter what.”