On Achievement & Accomplishments

by Kristina Chew · 2009-07-27 14:27:00 UTC
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Triathlon pictogram from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Triathlon_pictogram.svg/300px-Triathlon_pictogram.svg.png
10-year-Ben Kredich, who's on the spectrum, swims the 25-yard freestyle in the Greater Knoxville Area Interclub Swimming Association City Championship Meet, the July 26thGo Vols Extra reports. And 18-year-old Robbie Phillips, who's also on the spectrum, competed in yesterday's ninth annual Nautica New York City Triathlon, as noted the July 26th Ocala.com.

My first thought: Charlie's two-thirds ready for a triathlon. He can bike 12 miles at least and, if needed, he could swim as long as he had to. He just has to learn to run like Robbie and Alex (Charlie can certainly run, but not in any organized or competitive setting).

Second thought is, while avidly cheering on Ben and Robbie for their accomplishments, I'm mindful of a recent post by Dora: Is the only reason their achievements were reported because they're on the spectrum and the news stories therefore have that heartwarming edge? "Why should it come as a surprise that autistic kids, like any other kids, benefit hugely from doing stuff they like and are good at?," as Dora wrote; why should it be a surprise that autistic kids (and individuals on the spectrum) can achieve in athletic events, and otherwise?

Kristina Chew
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