As the track season starts, students work on their sprints, throwing and distance running. As herds of athletes race around up on the track, another track athlete prefers to stay on the ground. Jayson Gorton is a unique member of the team. Instead of racing on foot Gorton races in a custom wheelchair made specially for the sport.
Now in his freshman year of high school being in a wheelchair is nothing new. Unfortunately Gorton was paralyzed at a young age.
“I was in a car accident when I was three,” Said Gorton.
Gorton decided not to let that affect his ability to participate in school sports. He joined track and is in many different events.
“For school, I’m in the 800 and the mile.” Said Gorton.
Gorton not only does school track but takes part in track and field as well as basketball at the Courage Center in Golden Valley.
“I’ve done the 100, 200, 400, 800, mile, shot put, javelin and discus there,” Said Gorton.
Gorton credits his interest in track to a friend who recommended it to him.
“My friend who is also disabled told me about this program, and I started going” Said Gorton.
When he’s not on the field, he plays basketball and travels around the country playing in tournaments.
“We are Wheelchair basketball national champions” said Gorton, “The farthest we went this year was Louisville, Kentucky.”
Picture By: Megan Metz
