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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Is Amy Schumer Related to Chuck Schumer? Know the Truth

Learn whether Amy Schumer and Chuck Schumer are related.

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Is Amy Schumer Related to Chuck Schumer? Know the Truth

In the entertainment industry, it is unusual for public figures with the same last name to be related, but comedian Amy Schumer and politician Chuck Schumer are related.

Amy and Chuck share more than just a similar surname – they are related by blood. Chuck is the first cousin of Amy’s father, making them first cousins. 

The comedian has gone a step further by leveraging her public prominence to actively support her cousin Chuck, especially during a period when he encountered criticism from the new administration.

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When President Trump criticized Chuck for shedding “fake tears,” Amy swiftly defended her cousin through an Instagram post. She said, “Also, I know Chuck Schumer, and HE CANNOT act, trust me. He can barely smile on cue. He can’t help but be transparent and genuine.”

The Schumer cousin’s public partnership was formed in 2015 when Amy sought support from her political relative following a tragic shooting incident that occurred during a screening of her movie, Trainwreck.

During a joint press conference, Amy and Chuck made a collaborative effort as they revealed Senator Schumer’s comprehensive three-pronged plan to address the issue of gun violence. Notably, the comedian actively expressed her support for the proposed measures, standing alongside her cousin in solidarity and lending her voice to the cause.

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Their shared commitment to advocating for their respective causes while standing side by side serves as a testament to the strength of their familial bond and the enduring support they offer one another.

Now that we know Amy and Chuck are related, let’s delve into their respective careers and explore their achievements and contributions.

Inside Amy Schumer’s stand up career

Amy rose to prominence with her Comedy Central sketch series, Inside Amy Schumer, which premiered in 2013, earning her multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. The show provided a platform for her to showcase her comedic talents, tackling various topics with a satirical and often provocative approach.

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In addition to her television work, the comedian has made a significant impact in the film industry. She wrote and starred in the 2015 comedy film Trainwreck, which was directed by Judd Apatow and received positive reviews for its comedic portrayal of modern relationships. 

Throughout her career, Amy has been known for her willingness to address societal issues, including body image, gender dynamics, and cultural stereotypes, using humor as a means to engage audiences in important discussions. 

Beyond her work as a comedian and actress, Amy has also ventured into writing, penning a memoir titled ‘The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo’ (2016), which became a New York Times Best Seller.

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Inside Chuck Schumer’s political career 

Chuck has held the esteemed position of senior United States senator from New York since 1999, exemplifying his enduring dedication to public service. 

Chuck Schumer has been a political figure for over four decades.

Chuck Schumer has been a political figure for over four decades. (Source: Instagram)

As a prominent member of the Democratic Party, he has effectively led the Senate Democratic Caucus since 2017 and assumed the crucial role of Senate Majority Leader in 2021. Serving in his fifth Senate term, the politician holds the distinction of being the dean of New York’s congressional delegation. 

Notably, Chuck surpassed the tenures of distinguished figures Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Jacob K. Javits in 2023, solidifying his status as the longest-serving senator from New York.

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Kendall Jenner Clears the Air on Smoking Rumor

Everything about Kendall Jenner’s smoking habit.

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Kendall Jenner Clears the Air on Smoking Rumor

It seems that these days, many people started smoking cigarettes simply to gain popularity on social media. Kendall Jenner herself sparked controversy when she was caught smoking a cigarette in Instagram posts.

On July 15, 2017, Kendall shared an artistic photo of herself smoking while lying naked on a table, with her head resting on her hand.

While it’s difficult to determine if the cigarette in the picture was lit, Kendall, being the older sister, understood the importance of explaining the smoking image. She opted for a concise and straightforward caption that stated, “I don’t smoke.”

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Despite Kendall’s clear statement indicating that she does not smoke, numerous followers took to the comment section to speculate about her smoking habits. One individual expressed skepticism by commenting, “Bad Liar,” while another person wrote, “Yeah, you smoke this way.”

Similarly, one social media user went as far as suggesting that Kendall and her sisters should take up smoking, while including a “lol” to potentially soften the statement’s tone.

What did Kendall Jenner say about the smoking rumor?

Kendall has not directly addressed the rumor surrounding her smoking, but she has been proactive in asserting her non-smoking status whenever the topic has been raised in interviews.

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In a blog posted on her app, the model shared her strong aversion towards a common habit among most models. Kendall revealed that she has never smoked a cigarette and firmly stated that she never will.

Not only does she abstain from smoking, but also expressed being repulsed by the act, particularly within her industry. Emphasizing her strong stance against smoking, the model described it as “disgusting” and expressed her complete opposition to it.

Kourtney Kardashian spoke about Kendall Jenner’s addiction

In an episode of Sibling Rivalry featuring Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson, Kendall made a revelation regarding her consumption of marijuana. During the episode, she admitted to smoking weed after being publicly revealed by her sister, Kourtney Kardashian. 

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During the podcast episode, the model and her sister Kourtney teamed up to answer rapid-fire questions. In one particular round of questioning, the topic of marijuana was raised. 

Kourtney Kardashian disclosed that Kendall Jenner uses marijuana.

Kourtney Kardashian disclosed that Kendall Jenner uses marijuana. (Source: Twitter)

Oliver, the host of the podcast, asked the question, “If there was a stoner [in your family], who would it be?” Without hesitation, Kourtney promptly responded with “Kendall.” To everyone’s surprise, Kendall did not refute this claim and openly admitted, “I am a stoner. No one knows that, so that’s the first time I’ve ever really said anything out there.”

This candid revelation marked the first public acknowledgment from Kendall herself regarding her marijuana usage, as she disclosed this aspect of her personal life that had remained undisclosed until that moment.

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However, Kendall did not provide further details about her drug use. Nevertheless, this is not the first instance where a member of the Kardashian family has been associated with the use of illicit substances.

The Kardashian family, known for their reality TV fame and public presence, has faced previous instances where some members have been connected to substances considered illegal or controversial.

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Cora Tilley Celebrates Her High School Graduation with Boyfriend Christian Hitchcock

Cora Tilley, aka Arianna Tilley, graduated her high school in the class of 2023.

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Cora Tilley Celebrates Her High School Graduation with Boyfriend Christian Hitchcock

Cora Tilley, also known as Arianna Tilley, has gained popularity on TikTok by sharing videos featuring her friends and daily experiences. Several of her TikTok accounts, including her previous coratilleyyyy and coratilley accounts, were banned.

However, she continued to post content on her previous notcoratilley account, where she amassed a substantial following of over 1.9 million followers.

The TikTok star recently graduated from high school, as you could see all over her instagram. 

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She can be seen extremely happy and excited and celebrating with her friends and boyfriend, Christian Hitchcock. He is also a TikTok creator who specializes in short-form content and is renowned for sharing lip-sync performances on his account. 

With a dedicated following of over 1.4 million on the platform, he has garnered significant popularity. According to Famous Birthdays, they have been dating since December 2021.

Cora Tilley graduated as a class of 2023 recently

Tilley has recently graduated, and her excitement can be seen all over her instagram. She has been celebrating with her boyfriend, Hitchcock, her family, and friends. We can see her posting a bunch of graduation pictures.

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In one of her posts with graduation hats on, she mentioned that her mom decorated her cap, but it was sideways. She wrote, “My mom decorated my cap sideways so ignore that flowers r supposed to be front to back.”

She graduated on May 23, 2023, from a local high school. She followed up with a post that said, “It’s graduation day,” to which her boyfriend wrote, “I’m so proud of you,” in the comments. 

Her boyfriend also seems to be very happy for her. He also posted the pictures of Tilley graduating on his own instagram with a caption, “I’m so proud of you love, YOU DID ITTT.”

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Cora Tilley previously posted her graduation photos

This is not the first time Tilley had posted her graduation photos. She previously posted her pictures on her graduation gown on December 11, 2023, and also on March 8, 2023. 

Although she has not explained much about it, it seems to be a mock graduation or a photo shoot. A lot of her fans have shown their support by congratulating the TikTok star on her special occasion.

Cora Tilley has three step-siblings

Tilley, born on December 17, 2004, is currently 18 years old as of 2023. She was raised in a well-established Christian family in Florida, United States. Being an American citizen, she strongly identifies with the Christian religion.

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She completed her primary education at a local high school in Florida, where she actively participated in sports and other extracurricular activities. From a young age, she has nurtured a desire to become a renowned celebrity.

To pursue this goal, she embarked on her online career at an early stage. As mentioned by Big Name Bio, her stepfather Jordan, works as a businessman, while her mother is a homemaker. 

She also has three siblings: her stepbrother, Kingston Tilley, and her sister, Morgan Tilley, and one of her brother’s names are not known to the public.

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