orn with a birth defect called pterygium syndrome that left his legs webbed behind the knees, Rudy Garcia could not straighten or use his legs.

In 1994, at 5 years of age, Rudy met with doctors at Loma Linda University Medical Center's Children's Hospital, who presented him with two options: amputation followed by fitting with prosthetic legs, or doing nothing--in which case he would be confined for life to a wheelchair. Rudy and his family chose the amputation. Loma Linda orthopedic surgeon James E. Shook, M.D., and plastic surgeon Robert A. Hardesty, M.D., removed Rudy's legs through the knee, saving the kneecaps. Within weeks Michael Davidson, a prosthetist and orthotist at the Loma Linda University Rebabilitation Institute, had fitted him with new limbs, which Rudy quickly learned to use. He also determined that someday he would compete in the Paralympics.

In the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, Greece, Rudy--now 16 years old--won the gold medal in swimming for the men's 200-meter individual medley. He now has his sights set on the 2008 Games in Beijing, China.

Rudy combines his high school studies with a busy schedule as a motivational speaker--which he wants to make his life career. He speaks regularly to churches, schools, and corporations. His personal motto is "A Brave Heart Is a Powerful Weapon." He refuses to be described as handicapped or disabled, but rather as challenged. And rising to challenges is what Rudy Garcia is all about.