Being born without limbs did not deter Chris Koch’s spirit! The man was clearly the show stopper at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2020, that took place this weekend. By-standers cheered as Chris zoomed his way to the finish line on top of a longboard. Chris Koch was born with no arms and no legs and there is no room for self-pity or sadness in his story.
What’s It?
Chris Koch, the 40-year old Canidian completed the 42.2km marathon this weekend on a longboard. The man was born with no limbs and has in fact become an inspiration to many out there. Chris participated the Dubai marathon and wowed bystanders, as he zoomed to the finish line, on top of a longboard.
This is Chris’ ninth marathon that he completed while sitting on top of a longboard. While the man stole the show, the effort that goes into the mammoth task is something you wouldn’t imagine. Chris puts in 400% more energy to perform everyday activities than someone with arms and legs. (Someone give this man a standing ovation and an award)
How He Did It
Chris has a partially developed right and leg foot, which helps him longboard. He is also able to use his arms to drink water by himself during the race, although it leaves his dominant side sore and tired. “Whether you’ve achieved a personal best or it’s your slowest race yet, it’s such a cool feeling,” he says.
Strategy is everything for any sportsman and Chris too has is own, sweet plan. Being so close to the ground, Chris constantly has to have his head on a swivel and be cautious of everyone around him. Besides, runners wearing headphones or ear phones pose more threat to him, as they cannot see or hear him. Touching the finish line completely depends on the obstacles he comes across on the track, as he avoids starting the race with other athletes or the wheelchair and handcycle racers.
Apart from his own efforts, Koch’s family plays a great role in boosting his confidence. There is no room for self pity, sadness or regrets in his family. They never treated him differently, and that is one of the biggest reasons why Chris is a happy-go-lucky person.
As a chid, Chris was encouraged to try everything- even street hockey. He used a skateboard to get around his way in school and also wore artificial legs from grade seven onwards. However, later on, the longboard became his primary mobility aid and he has’t worn artificial legs ever since.
“Some people are ashamed of their freckles, that spare tyre around their waist, but if you’re worried about how you look, you’re cheating yourself out of opportunities. If you want to figure out a way bad enough, you make it happen.”
Here’s how Chris turns his barriers to strengths: