Too often do people complain of being too lazy or too unfit to exercise. Then there are those who don’t make excuses and always rise to the challenge, sometimes without legs. One such star is Hasaan Hawthorne, a high school wrestler who was born without tibias.

Hawthorne has maintained a perfect record of 37-0 this season and has continued to climb the ladder of success as he went on to win the title of the AHSAA State Wrestling Championships in Alabama.

Hawthorne’s parents knew from a young age that he would have a tough life if he didn’t learn about pain and perseverance early on. Hawthorne’s mother, Felecia Hawthorne, remembers several situations where many adults felt concerned after her son fell, according to the Chicago Tribune.

“We’re like, ‘Nope,’” said Felecia Hawthorne to Al.com. “He knows how to get up.”

Nonetheless, Hawthorne exhibited great resilience and progress. Within his first few years he was already getting around on his hands and even wrestling with his caretakers.

Hawthorne’s quality as an athlete is not only seen from his wins and the fact that he broke several pairs of expensive prosthetics; true athleticism is only about one muscle, and it’s not the legs or arms, but the heart, which Hawthorne has plenty of.

Perhaps growing up with a disability is emotionally easier than having to acclimate to it after illness or injury. Regardless, Hawthorne always remains positive. When asked about his disability and the challenges he faces in sports, his optimistic outlook was a clear factor in his answers.

“I think it’s funner having prosthetics than real legs because you get to do more stuff,” said Hawthorne to the Chicago Tribune. “I don’t like to see people sad; I like to cheer people up. I’m just like other people, just with different legs.”

Aside from being a huge WWE fan, Hawthorne loved how he didn’t even need his prosthetics in wrestling. Unfortunately, this caused some health complications which caused him to take time off from his passion to get surgery. But surgery didn’t keep him from bouncing back better than ever.

There have been dissenting voices about the legitimacy of Hawthorne’s wins because it “gives him a low center of gravity and makes it harder for opponents to grab him,” according to the Chicago Tribune, “but it also deprives Hawthorne of the ability to arch his back to avoid pins.”

All things considered, the results are irrefutable. Hawthorne recently finished his final season 37-0 as a state champion. He plans on wrestling in college and hopefully going to nationals.

Hawthorne is only one of many who redefine disability on a daily basis. AMP1 is an all-amputee basketball team. They go up against able-bodied opponents and shock many with their talent and ability to win.

AMP1 dominated the Nike 3ON3 Tournament in August 2015, winning three games and spreading their message of “sheer determination and hope for everyone, especially those who have lost a limb, dealt with physical challenges and anyone who has faced adversity or wants to change their lives,” according to Entertainment Newsweekly.

Despite their successes, AMP1, Hawthorne and many others with disabilities still face discrimination and stigma on a daily basis. The determination, pride and constant optimistic outlooks have kept many like themselves pushing to new heights and better days.

Helen Keller once said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Hawthorne and AMP1 stand as testaments to the veracity of this statement; legs or no legs, one has the ability to stand tall and overcome any hardship.