Boy with cerebral palsy wins wrestling match — the opponent's response hailed as 'class' sportsmanship
Children with disabilities or certain conditions have as much of a right to chase their passion as any other human being. There may be restrictions physically or mentally, but the encouragement and support they receive should never stop. Young Lucas Lacina, who has cerebral palsy, didn't spare any effort to chase his dream of wrestling and worked as hard as possible, per USA Today Sports. In return, his fellow competitors and friends ensured they had his back. In a video shared by Lucas’ mom, Jill Winger-Lacina, the boy was seen celebrating as he won a match fair and square. However, it’s not just Lucas who was hailed as a hero, but also his opponent for his generous and respectful gesture.
The Cerebral Palsy Guide revealed that 1 in 345 children in the United States are diagnosed with the condition. There are different types of cerebral palsy, each affecting different organs and functions. However, muscle functioning, coordination, movement and similar factors are often affected. Due to these implications and restrictions, around 30% of children with cerebral palsy are less committed to athletic activities like sports, per the National Library of Medicine. Despite these numbers, Lucas has been out there, braving the odds, practicing and upping his wrestling skills.
Lucas participated in an inter-school wrestling competition with his competitor, Austin. "We've been looking forward to it all year, for the day he gets to do hands-on," the mom remarked, per KWQC. In the video shared by the mom, also shared by ESPN, the duo was seen preparing to begin the match. Both entered the square, braving smiles in united sportsmanship. On the referee’s count, the duo wrestled each other. Starting slow, Austin remained patient with Lucas, allowing him to hold his posture and practice his moves. However, his patience is not to be mistaken for letting his opponent go off easily.
Both showed equal skill and concentration, blocking the other’s moves and incorporating their own. Austin didn’t consider his opponent any less due to his condition. He rendered the same respect and focus he would to any other. Lucas even pinned down Austin on his own by catching him off guard, receiving applause and cheers from the spectators. Even Austin put Lucas down, but was kind enough to help him up before they could continue the match. Finally, Lucas had Austin in a lock and pinned him down.
The opponent ever so kindly guided Lucas on how to keep him in a lock after he was on the ground. After that came the referee’s count, and Lucas was hailed the winner. Austin once again helped his competitor off the ground, followed by cheers from both teams. Lucas left with the widest smile, knowing he was able to put up a fair game. “I do just think it's amazing that Lucas gets to be part of the team, what's neat is they get to see how hard he's working too, and they get to realize how blessed they are to be able to have the abilities that they have as well,” the mom remarked.
Rob Heiple wrote, "So much class at such a young age." Trish Walker added, "Look at his smile...worth a billion dollars. Made me tear up, so happy for him." Roger Werneburg Jr. rightly noted, "2 young fighters entered the mat. 2 Heroes emerged from the mat in a great show of compassion! Well done, young men!" Jacque Retz remarked, "Such special memories for both young men."