Rebel Girls Celebrate Neurodiversity: 25 Tales of Creative Thinkers

Rebel Girls Celebrate Neurodiversity: 25 Tales of Creative Thinkers — page 9
BREANNA CLARK RUNNER Powerful strides carried a young woman swiftly around the racetrack Behind her seven other women raced for their chance at a Paralympic gold medal The stands were filled with thousands of people excited to see who would win As their cheers grew louder and louder Breanna Clark crossed the finish line Her heart raced She couldn't believe it she had won As a little girl Breanna was incredibly active and curious She enjoyed playing sports making friends and spending time with her twin brother Rashard When she was four Breanna's parents noticed that she was not like other children They took her to the doctor and found out that she was autistic Autism often affects how people talk act and think Breanna's parents were worried about her and her future But they didn't need to be concerned Breanna always knew what she loved being active She tried several sports but none of them were as fun as running In high school Breanna joined the track and field team That meant she got to run as much as she wanted She even started competing in races In 2016 Breanna qualified for the Paralympics an international competition for athletes with disabilities She won gold Five years later her powerful legs and incredible focus took her across the finish line at the Tokyo Paralympics She picked up a gold medal there too Breanna's victories make her and her family proud She keeps blowing past the competition all over the world BORN NOVEMBER 4 1994 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 10