The Paralympics begins August 29 in London. And this year's games will be the biggest on record -- 4,200 athletes from 165 counties will compete for the gold. For thousands of others, these games will give them the inspiration to do the impossible.
What you notice about Breanna Sprenger is her infectious smile, her determination and everything she has to overcome. Breanna was born without legs, and without her right arm. Doctors didn't think she would make it out of the hospital.
"We planned a funeral for her," said Carrie Sprenger, Breanna's mom.
But this tiny little girl began proving everyone wrong.
Last year Breanna told her physical therapist she wanted to walk, and that's exactly what she did.
"She can accomplish anything she decides she wants to. She really has no limitations. Part of the point of that is she is a very typical 10-year-old child. A bright girl," said Ann Marie Pace, a physical therapist at the Cleveland Clinic.
She's now focusing that same determination on her swimming -- training three days a week.
"I like to swim because I can do more things in the water than on the land," said Breanna.
She competes against kids without disabilities.
"I always come in last, but I always beat my time, every single time," Breanna said.
And her goal…
"I want to go to the Paralympics games someday," Breanna added.
And be like her hero, Kayla wheeler. A 16-year-old, born exactly like Breanna. She's headed to the games in London, holding a world record in the 50 meter butterfly. And there's no doubt, Breanna will get there, and she will keep motivating others to go for the gold.
"Don't ever doubt children with a disability, they can prove you wrong," Breanna said.
Although Breanna keeps a smile on her face, growing up has not been easy. Her tiny body has required numerous surgeries, including procedures for hernias, abscessed hips, blocked tear ducts, webbed fingers and eight inches of her colon and part of her lung have been removed. But as you can see, that's not stopping her.
Again, the Paralympics games begins today, August 29th. Breanna hopes to be there representing the USA in 2016.
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