Arielle Rausin isn't your typical track star.
She may run more than 20 miles a week like the other members of her high school track team, but the North Fort Myers High School sophomore is doing so without the use of her legs.
Rausin suffered a T-11 spinal cord injury from a car accident when she was in fourth grade, and she's been paralyzed from the waist down ever since.
Down but not Out
Instead of wallowing in self pity, Rausin turned to athletics as a way to feel good about herself. Her physical education teacher encouraged her to stay active and join the track team. She's able to "run" using a custom-fit racing chair, and she's not just keeping up with her teammates, they're trying to keep up with her!
Rausin said she loves challenging herself and showing the world that life is meant to be enjoyed.
"It has taught me dedication and how to work hard at something and achieve success," she said.
Jumping Hurdles
Rausin has overcome many physical challenges, but she still faces another hurdle.
Right now, Florida High School Athletic Association rules say she may only compete against herself in exhibition heats, and only at schools that invite her to race on their track. Like many other disabled athletes, this teen would like nothing more than to be able to compete alongside her able-bodies classmates, wear a team uniform, earn points for her school and get the recognition she deserves.
"I would feel very happy that I'm contributing to my team and feel like my hard work is worth something," Rausin said.
Her mother Krista Rausin said her daughter is being discriminated against.
"It's important we allow all teens the same opportunity in high school track," she said. "Athletics are extremely important to challenged athletes because it helps them feel as though they can overcome obstacles they face in their everyday lives."
Other States Leading by Example
This issue has been brought before high school athletic associations in other states like Georgia, Illinois, Idaho and Maryland, all of which decided to sanction wheelchair events in track and field.
The FHSAA Board of Directors will meet again in November to discuss if and how they will accommodate wheelchair racers on the track.
In the meantime, Arielle Rausin is encouraging other wheelchair athletes to take a stand and inspire athletic associations everywhere to do what's right.
What You Can Do
If you are a disabled high school student-athlete and want to be an official member of your high school track team as a wheelchair racer, contact floridacaf@challengedathletes.org.
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