The Olympic summer games will start in late July in London. And just a few weeks after that, the Paralympics will take place. This is a world wide competition for athletes who have a physical disability.
Two San Antonio athletes hope to represent the USA in this year's games.
Nick McCoy is a retired staff sergeant for the Army who's competing in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dash. Nick lost his legs and severely damaged his left arm while serving in Afghanistan back in 2006.
“There was an IED that was hidden. While I was on a foot patrol, a spotter set it off. I woke up a month and half later in Texas,” McCoy explained.
Day in and day out Nick trains just like any other Olympian. He's changed his entire life for the chance to serve his country one more time.
"I'm very proud that I get to wear a jersey that says USA on it,” Nick told us. “That's probably the most important thing to me."
Kate Callaghan also hopes to represent Team USA as a shot putter and discuss thrower. Her motivation to wear the USA uniform starts at home with her 5-year-old son.
"I want him to know that, no matter what happens, he can do anything,” Kate said. “No matter what happens to him, he can do anything. Because whatever happened to me, I can do anything."
Kate's spinal cord was severely damaged after a bad parachute jump and several unsuccessful surgeries. Every day she trains through the pain hoping it's enough to get her to London.
"I can do this. I can do this for my country again. And that's the way I feel. I want to do something else for my country,” Kate noted.
There are only 52 track and field spots for the London Paralympics. So, in reality, Kate and Nick aren't just competing against the people in their respective events. They're technically competing against each other. It's a challenge they're both up to.
"My dream is to have that gold medal and have that flag draped around me. And listening to my national anthem and know that - I did that,” Nick added.
