ONAGA, Kan. (WIBW) — A 10-year-old wrestler from Onaga has beat the odds.
The one-on-one challenge keeps Ty Pennington coming back to the wrestling gym day after day for 4 years.
“I just can’t wait to get out on that floor and do my stretches,” says Ty.
“Ty is a fabulous wrestler. He never complains. He is up for any challenge,” says Ty’s Head Wrestling Coach, Alan Foster.
Last Saturday, Ty competed in the Osage City Wrestling Tournament and a Facebook video posted by Scott Walker from Topeka Blue Thunder Wrestling Club went viral. So far, It’s reached more than 21,000 views.
“You know it made me happy because people all over the world have watched this video of me wrestling and they know it! They know I had a standing ovation, they know I did and I did,” Ty smiles.
And they were watching the video not just to see who wins, but to see Ty who was born blind and has minor cerebral palsy.
“And, you know, I’m lucky,” Ty says.
“It’s a sport that is very diversified. You know, there are people that anybody can do it. There are people with cerebral palsy, kiddos with autism, kiddos with missing limbs, and they are on an even playing field. Yes we are very proud that he is able to do what he can do,” says Ty’s mother, Mary Pennington.
And that spirit pushes Ty to make big plans for his future.
“You know I would do WWE for a little bit and be a wrestling coach,” says Ty.
He says he will never give up.
“I can do it, I can, I’ve done it, I’ve done it!” Ty says.
Ty has a twin brother who can see with corrective glasses. They were both born premature.