Six Heart Surgeries Didn't Stop This 8-Year-Old from Competing in the AAU Junior Olympic Games
08/16/2022
8-year-old William Coursey has had six heart surgeries in his short life -- but that hasn't stopped him from playing sports. He recently competed at the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Greensboro.
Originally posted on The Oklahoman
ARDMORE, Okla. -- 8-year-old William Coursey has had six heart surgeries in his short life, all by the age of 3.
He was born with an atrial septal defect -- a birth defect in the heart where there is a hole in the septum wall dividing the upper chambers of the heart.
Until the age of 5, Coursey also required regular steroid shots to help his breathing.
At first, Coursey's father, Dominique, didn't think sports were in the cards. But once doctors gave them clearance for sports participation, Coursey eagerly took to the fields and the court.
Now, Coursey not only plays football, baseball, and basketball -- he's also a rising track star.
He qualified for the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Greensboro, North Carolina this summer by winning gold in the 100m, silver in the 200m, and gold in long jump at his regional meet -- an incredible feat considering his start to life and the fact that he just started track and field last year.
"I just told him, 'No matter what happens at the AAU Junior Olympics, our family is so proud of you.' I don't care if he comes in last place, he's done things the right way. He's done way more above and beyond," Dominique said.
At the AAU Junior Olympic Games, Coursey placed 23rd out of 101 kids in the 8 and under 100m dash preliminaries, which earned him a spot in the semi-finals. There, he finished in 15th.
In the 200m dash prelims, Coursey placed 52nd out of 103 competitors, going on to place 24th in the semi-finals.
And in the long jump, he placed 19th out of 84 kids.
The AAU is proud of your accomplishments, William!
Click here to read the full article.
ARDMORE, Okla. -- 8-year-old William Coursey has had six heart surgeries in his short life, all by the age of 3.
He was born with an atrial septal defect -- a birth defect in the heart where there is a hole in the septum wall dividing the upper chambers of the heart.
Until the age of 5, Coursey also required regular steroid shots to help his breathing.
At first, Coursey's father, Dominique, didn't think sports were in the cards. But once doctors gave them clearance for sports participation, Coursey eagerly took to the fields and the court.
Now, Coursey not only plays football, baseball, and basketball -- he's also a rising track star.
He qualified for the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Greensboro, North Carolina this summer by winning gold in the 100m, silver in the 200m, and gold in long jump at his regional meet -- an incredible feat considering his start to life and the fact that he just started track and field last year.
"I just told him, 'No matter what happens at the AAU Junior Olympics, our family is so proud of you.' I don't care if he comes in last place, he's done things the right way. He's done way more above and beyond," Dominique said.
At the AAU Junior Olympic Games, Coursey placed 23rd out of 101 kids in the 8 and under 100m dash preliminaries, which earned him a spot in the semi-finals. There, he finished in 15th.
In the 200m dash prelims, Coursey placed 52nd out of 103 competitors, going on to place 24th in the semi-finals.
And in the long jump, he placed 19th out of 84 kids.
The AAU is proud of your accomplishments, William!
Click here to read the full article.
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