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Training with other leaders taught me how to set and achieve my goals. As a member, I even earned a college scholarship! Look out world, here I come!
From ATA World Volume 19, Number 3 Fall 2012
Cole Peterson
was born in 2003, prematurely and with a unilateral cleft lip and palate and one
intact nostril. He endured three surgeries his first year. He has had eight
surgeries since birth.
In July 2011, Cole underwent bone graft surgery. Bone was harvested from his hip
and inserted in his cleft palate; his nostril was also reconstructed. The
transplant rejected, requiring a subsequent operation. Cole was not allowed to
run, bike, swim, play Wii, or practice Taekwondo during recovery.
Cole
resumed normal activity in October and prepared for the Chicago tournament. He
took first place in Forms, Weapons, and Sparring but later contracted
mononucleosis. Cole’s spleen swelled, and Taekwondo was again restricted for two
months.
Once healthy, Cole practiced and competed. He earned Top Ten in
Forms, Weapons, and Sparring, becoming three-time Ohio State Champ. To prepare
Cole for Worlds, Mentor ATA instructors worked privately with him. Through
positive teaching and endless encouragement, Cole was ready.
On June 19,
Cole underwent oral surgery. The day after, Cole and his dad drove 14 hours to
Arkansas.
At the Top Ten competition, Cole competed well in Forms and
Weapons, but excelled in Sparring. He beat three talented boys, including two
prior World Champs, to become World Champion in Sparring.
Cole is the
epitome of ATA Strong. Through determination and perseverance, he fought hard to
overcome medical procedures, sickness, and limited training time to win.
David and Christina Peterson
Mentor, Ohio
