This Soccer Star Has One Leg
Valerio Spagnuolo
Apr 21, 2014
As the world continues to journey towards progress in all its forms, there are some people who seem to have been left behind, because of physical disabilities.
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Meet Nico Calabria, he is one-legged and has had an intense love for the game of soccer since forever.
19 Year Old Sensation
Now 19, Nico was just seven when he started his playing ball, evidently leading him to where he is today. His story is truly inspiring and no soccer superstar can ever overshadow him.
One-legged Yet Victorious
Calabria had just one leg at birth, yet found his purpose in a game that involved full functionality of the lower limbs. In high school, he played varsity soccer, making viral highlights with his goal.
Incredible Feats
At the age of 13, Nico became the first crutch-dependant person to climb the height of Mt. Kilimanjaro. He raised upwards of $100,000 in the process, that went for charity. Now that’s inspiring!
USA Amputee Soccer Team
A prominent member of the National Amputee Soccer Team of America, Calabria has been featured in a mini documentary produced by Powerade. Parts of his growing years were spent in Indianapolis, Indiana, and parts in Concord, Massachusetts.
Athletic And Sporty Lifestyle
Being disabled, you’d imagine his life as rather dull. But Nico proves all assumptions wrong with his very active and athletic lifestyle, which he pretty much excelled at. He was massively competitive, and had that urge for making the win.
Journey To Soccer
Calabria surprised everyone by making it to the high school freshman soccer team while he was still in middle school. His one legged goal in one of the varsity matches went viral on YouTube, and caught the attention of several observers, including Powerade.
A Graduate And An Intern
In 2013, Nico graduated from high school and then took a year off to intern with SideStix, the company that manufactures his crutches. He teaches gymnastics to kids, and will start studies at Colorado College in fall of this year. He has definite plans to join the college soccer team as well.
Upcoming Matches
This November, the world will see Nico, along with many others like him, playing for USA at the Amputee Football World Cup. His uniform is red, white and blue, and the matches will be held in Mexico.
