COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (WOOD) — At some point in their careers, athletes will have to overcome adversity. It could come in the form of an injury or a strenuous workout.
In the case of paraswimmer Noah Jaffe, his adversity is cerebral palsy.
“It can be hard sometimes, but I don’t think it’s something I would say I’m tired of just because it’s my life,” said Jaffe.
When you see him power his way through a three-mile workout, you would hardly know he has a disability. As Jaffe said, he has learned to live with cerebral palsy.
“I try not to let my disability limit me. I know I have my own unique set of challenges, but I have lived them my whole life. So, why limit myself,” Jaffe said.
There are no limits to what Jaffe can do. In his first international meet, he won a gold, a silver, and two bronze medals.
“I think going in, I really had no expectations. I think that was really helpful. I just gave it my all in every race,” said Jaffe.
To prepare for the Paralympic trials, Jaffe moved to Colorado Springs to train full-time at the Olympic Training Center. He also took a gap year from college. He is a biochemistry major at the University of California, Berkeley.
“It was definitely a big decision. I kind of struggled with it. Ultimately, I knew I needed a place to really focus in, and the facilities here, and having a coach that really knows me as a paralympic athlete has been really amazing,” said Jaffe.
His life has been a challenge from day one. As Jaffe has shown time and again, armed with a strong will and a can-do attitude, his ability is greater than his disability.
“It’s my life, so why not make the best of it,” said Jaffe.