Nike Signs Justin Gallegos - First Professional Athlete With Cerebral Palsy

Justin Gallegos has Cerebral Palsy but that isn’t stopping him from achieving his dreams and becoming a pro-athlete. The athletic brand Nike just signed Justin as their first professional athlete with cerebral palsy. The neurological disorder affects muscle coordination and tone. This makes every step that Justin takes a true inspiration to others battling disabilities.

“Growing up with a disability, the thought of becoming a professional athlete is as I have said before like the thought of climbing Mt. Everest!”

When Justin was a freshman in high school he joined the cross country team. With determination, Justin continued to fight his condition to achieve his dream of being a runner. But he didn’t just run, Justin began winning races! He now runs as a junior with University of Oregon. His determination caught the eye of the Nike Corporation.

Nike’s Insight Directory, John Douglass, was at the end of Justin’s recent cross country meet to offer him a Nike contract! Camera crews were there, not to follow the race as Justin assumed, but instead to capture his amazing achievement! Fittingly, Justin announced his new status on National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.

“...Today I made Nike history and became the very first athlete with Cerebral Palsy to sign a contract with Nike! You don’t realize how realistic and emotional your dreams are until they play out before your very eyes!” Gallegos posted on social media.

Justin’s teammates were overjoyed and it was clear they have given him a lot of support in his running journey. This new pro-athlete is not losing sight of where he came from and his faith that supported him through this process. We think Justin will be a huge inspiration for a lot of people!

“I was once a kid in leg braces who could barely put on foot in front of the other! Now I have signed a contract with Nike Running! Trust the process! And most of all trust in God! God is good! “