Watch Gorlitsky talk about the marathon.
Video credit: CBS Los Angeles
A paralyzed man has completed 17.2 miles of the Los Angeles Marathon with the help of his state-of-the-art $95,000 exoskeleton.
Adam Gorlitsky, who has been paralyzed from the lower half of his body for the last 13 years, started his 19-hour journey on Friday night from an area near Dodger Stadium, TMZ reported.
Though traffic and terrain posed a serious challenge to him, Gorlitsky was committed to complete his journey despite all obstacles.
And with his weight distributed between his hand crutches and exoskeleton, Gorlitsky was able to move through the hilly train.
The event, named ReEnabled Division, was organized by I Got Legs – a non-profit organization which offers a range of grants and programs to help disabled people overcome their physical challenges.
Wearing his ‘I Got Legs’ shirt, Gorlitsky started the race with a small group of people around him, who also helped him retain his balance at several points.
But the number of people surrounding him kept increasing as the man drew closer to the finishing line.
And by the time he finished the race, several supporters inspired by his dedication and determination had gathered around to cheer for him.
Contrary to what he’d hoped, Gorlitsky couldn’t walk the full 26.2-mile course which would have taken him around 36 hours.
However, he has promised himself that he will keep working hard unless he becomes the first paralyzed person to complete a full marathon in the US.
Gorlitsky got his incredible exoskeleton around three years ago. Since then, he has competed in several shorter races including 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons.
The inspiring man has been finding ways to strengthen himself ever since he lost the ability to move around after a car accident in 2005.
‘I don’t feel disabled, but I don’t feel able-bodied,’ Gorlitsky said. ‘I feel what I call re-enabled and all that means is what it feels to be empowered.
‘It’s an incredible feeling being out at the same height as everybody,’ he said. ‘We’re all going toward that same finish line, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.’
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