Wilmington marathoner refuses to let cerebral palsy hold him back
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With the annual Wilmington Marathon kicking off on Saturday, one local participant is gearing up for the challenge.
UNCW grad Michael Friant will be biking the full 26.4 miles from Wrightsville Beach to downtown Wilmington.
Friant lives with cerebral palsy, a condition that causes stiff muscles and a reduction in motor functions.
Despite those challenges, Friant is no stranger to physical activities. He’s participated in hundreds of trail races and 5ks over the last seven years.
Friant said he is excited to participate in the marathon, and that he refuses to let his disability define him.
“Quite frankly I just like the challenge and not to be seen as a charity case or anything like that,” he explained. “Actually, this is what drew me into running because I have to start at the same start line as everyone else and cross the finish line as everyone else. No participation trophy so-to-speak.”
A self-described go-getter, Friant is often able to push past barriers that others in his position might not be able to, “And that’s fine,” Friant notes.
“I am biking the 26.2 miles tomorrow with just one training session under my belt. Realistically, no one should do something that ambitious and extreme. I do it just because I am crazy and when I do them I feel like I give my cerebral palsy a big juicy middle finger,” he said.
Although in many instances Friant has been able to overcome, he noted we still have long way to go before people with disabilities can navigate the world without daily challenges like finding transportation.
Friant said it’s often frustrating relying on friends who “understandably have their own hectic lives” to get around.
“I would love to see an equal playing field for people with disabilities as there are for able-bodies individuals,” Friant said. “I am trying my hardest to create that space for myself but not everyone has the mental capacity to put up with stuff, nor should they in many instances.”
Friant also would like to give a special thank you to his friend Robby, who will be biking the marathon alongside him.
