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4 Famous Athletes Who Have a Disability

Paralympic swimmer Rebecca Meyers won three gold and one silver medals in Rio 2016.

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4 Famous Athletes Who Have a Disability

Just because you have a physical disability, it does not mean that your love of sports is restricted to fantasy football or sports gambling, or Everygame casino no deposit bonus game playing on your laptop.

Many people with disabilities “take advantage of their strengths to compensate for their weaknesses.” It starts with learning about yourself, so you can understand what your strengths are and what your weaknesses are.

Here is a secret that successful people don’t want you to know: everybody has strengths and everybody has weaknesses. The ones who are successful understand that, and the ones who are not don’t understand that.

Aaron Fotheringham

Aaron Fotheringham is also one of the most famous skaters in the world. His specialty? Wheelchair skating. Aaron Fotheringham was born with spina bifida.

Aaron Fotheringham is an extreme wheelchair athlete who performs tricks adapted from skateboarding and BMX. He competes in the Vegas Am Jam series in skate park competitions, usually against BMX riders.

He is the first person to successfully perform a backflip in a wheelchair at the age of 14, and a double backflip at the age of 18.

He performs many other tricks in his wheelchair including 180 degree ‘aerials’, one-wheeled spins, and rail grinds. He plans to fuse the back flip with the 180 aerial into what is known as a ‘flair’.

When he was a young boy, he used crutches early on, but he has been a wheelchair user full-time since the age of eight. He would watch his brother riding his BMX at the skate park, and one day his brother told him that he should try riding his chair in the park.

Fotheringham uses a customized WCMX wheelchair designed by Box Wheelchairs, which is both lightweight and features four-wheel suspension. This enables him to perform the same sorts of tricks that skateboarders and BMXers can do, as the suspension cushions his landings.

Fotheringham has worked with Box Designs Wheelchairs to help refine the design in real-world situations, resulting in a custom-made chair that is in his words, “pretty much indestructible”.

In 2022, he competed on America’s Got Talent: Extreme. After receiving Nikki Bella’s golden buzzer in the audition round, he advanced to the finale, and earned second place.

Rebecca Meyers

Rebecca Meyers (born November 20, 1994, in Baltimore) is a Paralympic swimmer from the United States. She won three gold and one silver medals in Rio 2016. She was also a member of the 2012 Paralympic Team, and won a silver and bronze in London. Rebecca Meyers also competed at the 2009 Summer Deaflympics which was held in Taiwan.

Meyers has Usher syndrome and has been deaf since she was born. Since she was young she has used a cochlear implant, an electronic device that allows her to hear. Meyers is also losing her vision to a disease called retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and has a Seeing Eye dog named Birdie, who helps her navigate the world.

She grew up in Baltimore, attended Notre Dame Prep, and went on to graduate from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she studied history with a concentration in Disability Studies.

In June 2021 the US announced the 34 Paralympic swimmers who would be going to the delayed 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo. The women’s team was Meyers, Jessica Long, McKenzie Coan, Elizabeth Marks, and Mallory Weggemann. On July 20, 2021, Meyers withdrew from the Paralympics after being denied her request for a personal care assistant due to the reduced allocation of staff members amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matt Brown (parathlete)

Matthew S. Brown, known as Matt P.F. Brown (born November 24, 1976), is currently a football and track and field coach at Idalou High School in Idalou in Lubbock County, Texas. He is also a gold and bronze winner in the Parapan American Games. Brown’s left leg was amputated above the knee because of an accidental industrial explosion on December 20, 2005.

In September 2007, Brown won a gold medal in the discus, having set a record throw of 154 feet 9 inches (47.17 m), and a bronze in the shot put at the 2007 Parapan American Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He also competed in the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing, where he finished fourth in the men’s discus.

On July 12, 2011, Brown was suspended for three months by the Paralympic team after a United States Anti-Doping Agency test revealed the presence of a marijuana metabolite in his body. He was also made ineligible to participate in official track and field events for a calendar year. He tested positive for marijuana again in a June 2012 test and was again suspended for twelve months.

Who knows what his sports career might have been if he did not waste his talents on using marijuana? Yes, marijuana is legal in several states in the US, but that does not mean that it will not affect your ability to do sports.

Amy Bockerstette

Amy Bockerstette (born October 15, 1998) is an American competitive amateur golfer and disabilities advocate with Down syndrome. She is the first person with Down syndrome to both receive an athletic scholarship to attend college and also to compete in a national collegiate championship.

In high school, Bockerstette became the first person with Down syndrome to play in the Arizona High School Girls Golf Division I State Championship, where she competed as both a junior and senior. In 2017, she was honored at the AZCentral.com Sports Awards with the Best Moment of the Year Award for Arizona High School Sports.

As a representative of Special Olympics Arizona, Bockerstette played in the LPGA Bank of Hope Founders Cup Pro-Am with professional golfers Sarah Jane Smith and Gerina Piller in March 2017. She was named by AZCentral.com as one of the “Ten Most Intriguing High School Athletes of 2017”.

In May 2018, Bockerstette signed a letter of intent to play golf at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. She studied dance at PVCC and played on a full golf scholarship, completing her college career in May 2022. She was afforded two one-year golf scholarship extensions due to COVID-19.

Bockerstette is a Special Olympics athlete in golf, swimming and volleyball and plays Challenger baseball. She also plays piano.

Bockerstette and her family launched a 501 nonprofit corporation, the I GOT THIS Foundation, at her 21st birthday party in October 2019. The foundation’s mission is to promote golf instruction and playing opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

On April 29, 2022, Bockerstette was named as one of the 48 Most Intriguing Women of Arizona by 48 Arizona Women and the Arizona Historical Society. She is featured in a coffee table book entitled: Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women—A New Decade, telling each woman’s story in words and photos. Honorees were selected from 15 cities across Arizona.

On June 6-9, 2022, Bockerstette competed at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando Florida in the Level 5 category, 18 holes individual golf competition, at Orange National Golf Center, where she won a Silver medal.

Bockerstette continues to represent the I Got This Foundation, as a speaker and by attending various charity golf tournaments and fundraising events, where she advocates for inclusion and for people with disabilities.

Summary

These 4 individuals are examples of people who “took advantage of their strengths” so they could fulfill their dreams. So the next time you try to tell yourself, “I cannot do X” just read these famous athlete’s stories (and many more like them). Then find your own strength, so you can take advantage of it to be the best you can be.

The GlamourBuff Team is a set of experienced writers associated with the Glamour Buff magazine, reporting world news, celebrity lifestyle, and exclusive Hollywood details.

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Venus Williams and Actor Andrea Preti Spotted Enjoying Italian Boating Excursion

Are they dating?

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Venus Williams and Actor Andrea Preti Spotted Enjoying Italian Boating Excursion

Tennis legend Venus Williams is basking in the Italian sun this summer. The 44-year-old athlete was spotted on a boating excursion with 36-year-old actor-producer Andrea Preti along the picturesque Amalfi Coast in Nerano, Italy, on Saturday, July 27.

Williams, fresh from her appearance at the 2024 ESPYS alongside her sister Serena, looked radiant in an olive green dress, with her hair elegantly styled up for the Mediterranean outing.

On the other hand, Preti, known for his roles in the Italian television series A Professor and the film One More Day, complemented the sunny day in a crisp white button-down shirt and stylish sunglasses as the pair lounged together on the boat.

Venus Williams and Andrea Preti were spotted while on vacation in Nerano. (Photo: backgrid_usa)

Venus Williams and Andrea Preti were spotted while on vacation in Nerano. (Photo: backgrid_usa)

Venus Williams and Andrea Preti were spotted while on vacation in Nerano. (Photo: backgrid_usa)

The duo seemed to be enjoying the scenic beauty and relaxing atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast, adding to the allure of their picturesque getaway. Their outing has sparked interest among fans and media alike, with many curious about the nature of their relationship.

Are Venus Williams and Andrea Preti dating?

As of now, Venus Williams and Andrea Preti have not confirmed if they are dating each other. PEOPLE magazine reached out to both for comments, but there has been no response. Their single status might hint at a possible romantic connection, but nothing is official.

Venus Williams and Andrea Preti were spotted while on vacation in Nerano. (Photo: backgrid_usa)

Williams, who dated model Elio Pis in 2012, spoke about her dating life in October 2022. She mentioned in an interview with Glamour UK that she had been single for a long time and was working on changing that. “I’ve had a single life for a long time and I think it’s really easy to get stuck in a single life and sometimes – at least for me – harder to get out,” she said. “It makes you think about yourself and what you want and how to behave.”

On the other hand, Preti’s dating history is not well-documented, and he was reportedly single until his recent sighting with Williams.

For now, any assumptions about their relationship status remain speculative.

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Hawk Tuah Girl Was Barely Cheered At Rock The South

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Hawk Tuah Girl Was Barely Cheered At Rock The South

It was a moment of embarrassment for social media personality Hawk Tuah, also known as “Hawk Tuah” girl. Hawk Tuah girl, who rose to prominence after being featured in a man-on-the-street interview with creators Tim & Dee TV, recently went on the stage at Rock the South and she barely got anyone cheering for her.

Videos surfaced on the internet showed that she graced the stage wearing bikini-like jeans shorts along with a white hat. She took on the mic and addressed the crowd with a huge cheer herself, but in response, no one from the crowd cheered for her.

It apparently looked like the crowd had no clue who she was. 

Teatoktalk on Instagram also posted the mentioned event, and the netizens were quick to mock the internet star. “I mean who is she. Like really she isn’t worth clapping for. A viral video doesn’t make her any more relevant,” one wrote.

Another added, “she the only one screaming.” Likewise, someone wrote, “We need to stop making “celebrities” out of these type of people. It’s pathetic and embarrassing to say the least.”

Rock the South, an annual music festival, has evolved into a landmark event in the Southeast, celebrating its continued success in 2024. Held annually in Cullman, Alabama, this music festival has become a staple for country and rock music fans, drawing in thousands from across the nation.

Who is Hawk Tuah girl?

Otherwise known as Haliey Welch, Hawk Tuah Girl is rising to prominence after being featured in a man-on-the-street interview by creators Tim & Dee TV. In the video, she’s asked, “What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?” Her response is what’s made her go viral.

“You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang,” she exclaimed.

The original video went viral, earning millions of views across TikTok and Instagram, spawning remixes and remakes of the original audio, and earning Welch the nickname Hawk Tuah Girl.

She presently has more than 2 million followers on Instagram, thanks to her viral video. Welch has been posting various fun videos on her social media to keep up with her followers.

Haliey Welch hails from Nashville, TN, a city known for its rich musical heritage. While details about her age, family, and dating life remain under wraps, Welch’s down-to-earth personality and infectious humor have resonated with a wide audience. Her background in Nashville, a hub of creativity and entertainment, might have played a role in shaping her confident and engaging online persona.

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Is Deceased Actress Shelley Duvall Related To Robert Duvall?

Shelley Duvall passed away in July 2024.

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is shelley duvall related to robert duvall

Shelley Duvall is an American actress and producer whose unique screen presence and eclectic roles have left a lasting impression on the film industry. Born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Duvall was discovered by director Robert Altman, who cast her in his 1970 film “Brewster McCloud.” This marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Duvall and Altman, with Duvall appearing in several of his films throughout the 1970s, including “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” (1971), “Thieves Like Us” (1974), and the critically acclaimed “3 Women” (1977).

Her performance in “3 Women” garnered her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, cementing her status as a formidable talent.

Duvall’s career reached new heights with her role as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic horror film “The Shining” (1980). Her portrayal of the tormented wife opposite Jack Nicholson’s deranged Jack Torrance has become one of the most memorable performances in horror cinema.

Although her performance initially received mixed reviews, it has since been re-evaluated and is now celebrated for its raw emotional intensity. The same year, she charmed audiences as Olive Oyl in Robert Altman’s “Popeye,” showcasing her versatility by transitioning from horror to comedy.

In addition to her film work, Duvall made significant contributions to television. She created, produced, and hosted the beloved children’s series “Faerie Tale Theatre” (1982-1987), which featured star-studded adaptations of classic fairy tales. The show was a critical and commercial success, further establishing Duvall as a creative force in the entertainment industry.

Her dedication to producing quality family entertainment extended to other projects, such as “Tall Tales & Legends” and “Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories.”

Despite stepping away from the public eye in the 1990s, Duvall’s legacy endures. Her body of work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, with renewed interest in her contributions to film and television. Documentaries and retrospectives have highlighted her unique talent and the indelible mark she has left on the industry.

Shelley Duvall died at the age of 75

According to reports citing a family spokesperson and her longtime partner, Shelley Duvall has died at the age of 75. She passed away in her sleep at their home in Blanco, Texas, due to complications from diabetes, her life partner of more than 30 years, Dan Gilroy, told The Hollywood Reporter.

“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us,” Gilroy said. “Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”

Is Shelley Duvall related to Robert Duvall?

No, Shelley Duvall is not related to Robert Duvall. Despite sharing the same last name, they are not connected by family. Shelley Duvall and Robert Duvall both have distinguished careers in the film industry but come from different backgrounds and have no familial ties.

Robert Duvall, also Robert Selden Duvall, is an American actor and director whose distinguished career has earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards.

Born on January 5, 1931, in San Diego, California, Duvall began his career in theatre during the late 1950s before transitioning to television and film roles in the early 1960s. His early work included notable appearances in “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) and “Captain Newman, M.D.” (1963).

Duvall’s career gained significant momentum in the early 1970s with larger roles in films such as “MASH” (1970) and “THX 1138” (1971). His breakthrough came with a series of critical successes, starting with his iconic role as Tom Hagen in “The Godfather” (1972) and “The Godfather Part II” (1974). He continued to deliver powerful performances in acclaimed films like “Network” (1976), “The Great Santini” (1979), “Apocalypse Now” (1979), and “True Confessions” (1981).

Throughout his career, Duvall has showcased his versatility in both film and television. He received an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Tender Mercies” (1983) and captivated audiences with his performances in “The Natural” (1984), “Colors” (1988), and the miniseries “Lonesome Dove” (1989). His portrayal of historical figures and complex characters continued with roles in “Stalin” (1992), “The Man Who Captured Eichmann” (1996), and “A Family Thing” (1996).

In the late 1990s and beyond, Duvall maintained his reputation as a formidable actor with notable performances in “The Apostle” (1997), which he also wrote and directed, earning him critical acclaim. His later works include “A Civil Action” (1998), “Gods and Generals” (2003), and the television miniseries “Broken Trail” (2006). Duvall’s enduring talent and dedication to his craft have solidified his place as one of America’s most respected actors.

Look at Shelley Duvall’s family and early life

Shelley Alexis Duvall was born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, as the first child of Bobbie Ruth Crawford, a real estate broker and legal professional, and Robert Richardson “Bobby” Duvall, a cattle auctioneer who later became a lawyer.

She grew up with three younger brothers: Scott, Shane, and Stewart. Due to her father’s work, Duvall’s early years were spent moving around various locations in Texas before the family eventually settled in Houston when she was five years old.

Duvall was an artistic and energetic child, earning the nickname “Manic Mouse” from her mother. She also sang in a choir during her childhood.

Despite her artistic inclinations, Duvall developed an interest in science at a young age and aspired to become a scientist during her teenage years. She attended Waltrip High School, graduating in 1967, and then worked selling cosmetics at Foley’s, a department store.

Continuing her education, she attended South Texas Junior College, where she majored in nutrition and diet therapy, reflecting her diverse interests and ambitions during her formative years.

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