University of Hartford graduate Chaz Davis ran the 5,000 meter run in the ParalympicsThursday, placing 8th with a time of 15:15:86, but getting to the Paralympics was no easy task.
Davis suffers from Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic disease, and lost his vision three years ago.
While he was running in Rio, a crowd gathered at the University of Hartford to watch the race and support him.
His fellow teammates on track and field were among the crowd.
"It is crazy. I am just really happy for him. I have seen firsthand how much work he has put in," Rourk Marlow, a senior who roomed with Davis, said.
When Davis first lost his vision, he took several months off, thinking that was the end of his running career. Then, he started running again on a treadmill and soon had a friend help guide him on runs outside and on the track.
"Chaz is talented, he is determined, he is focused -- so all of this is Chaz," Richard Warren, the track and field coach, at the university said.
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Davis’ teammates said they never once heard him complain.
"He is not one to make excuses or use bad things that happen as a crutch. He sets his mind on something and he is going to do it," Marlow said.
Davis also ran the 1,500 meter run and placed 10th with a time of 3:58:28.
"It is awesome. I know how hard he has worked to get there and he really deserves to be there," said Alex Paterson, a senior on the track and field team.
Students said they were inspired by Davis and his journey to Rio.
"It makes the whole team think, if Chaz can do it, we have no reason to complain. This kid was dealt the worst hand you could get and he is the fastest kid on the team," Marlow said.
