Jennifer Bricker – Gymnast Born without Legs Shows That ‘Everything is Possible’
The story of Jennifer Bricker is one of the most amazing ones we have ever featured on IMK! It is full of both great life lessons and great surprises. It is a story everyone should know.
Jennifer was born in Romania without any legs. She was later adopted bya lovingAmerican family, the Bricker’s, and raised in the small town of Hardinville, Illinois.
Although she was born without legs, she and her family never let this stop her from achieving her dreams. Her parentsgave her one simple rule, “Never say you can’t”! They helped her live a life of triumph, not tragedy.
The Brickers raised her just like they their other three sons. She was taught to never view her disability as a disadvantage. So, she grew up playing many sports, including volleyball, softball and basketball.
But it was gymnastics that was her true passion! She idolized Olympic gold medalist Dominque Moceanu. She would would watch her on TV while practicing tumbling on the trampoline with her dad.
As she grew older, Jen began competing against typical athletes in gynmasitcs competitions around Illinois. Not only did she compete, but she even went on to become a State Champion in power tumbling! And she participated in the Junior Olympics! Jen and her family always believed she could do whatever she wanted to. Her positive attitude, hard work and perseverance made this a reality.
If her story was not amazing enough already, when Jen was 16, she discovered the most incredible news of her life. She learned that her idol, the gymnastDominque Moceanu, was actually her biological sister! Now, Jen tours the country as an aerialist, acrobat and inspirational speaker.
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Discussion Questions:
- How would you describe Jennifer’s attitude and what role has it played in her life?
- Do you think of Jennifer as having a disability?
- What is one lesson you can learn and apply in your own life from Jennifer?
Comprehension Questions:
- What is your definition of handicap?
- Is there any story in your country which is same with Jenifer’s? Can you tell me about it?
- How about you, what was the most incredible thing that happened to your life?