Dergin Tokmak
Today, CBS News posted a short article on German dancer Dergin Tokmak… who is an amazing athlete! Stricken with polio as an infant, Tokmak is partially paralyzed from the waist down… but he’s a better dancer on crutches than even many pros with the full use of their legs are.
I was both humbled and deeply impressed. Take a look:
Below is Tokmak’s performance with the Cirque du Soleil in “Varekai”:
(h/t Jezebel)
February 23, 2012
Wow, that guy is awesome! I have never heard of him before. His work ethic and determination is incredible.
That just goes to show what the right attitude can accomplish. He worked through a usually devistateing dissability for most people.
A true inspiration!
February 23, 2012
“Determination” squared I think, since he probably had to overcome a lot of resistance on the part of the people he encountered early in his life. I imagine that many well-intentioned, able-bodied people would subtly discourage a partially-paralyzed child from trying to excel athletically, and instead, encourage him/her to take a path (intellectual, musical, etc.) more “appropriate” for someone with “limitations.”
Which is why I found it humbling… had I been that guy’s mother, teacher, etc. – how would I have responded to him early in life, before his talent was obvious?
February 24, 2012
That would be a difficult situation. I don’t know what I would have done. I probably would have become over protective and not let him try anything like that. That sure sounds short cited when I think about it.
Sometimes doing things you feel are in your childrens “best intrest”, may not be.
Makes you think….