He set a record in the time trials, won medals and praise for his performances and is now giving back to those in need as he prepares to head for the Tokyo Olympics, and as Dexter Henry tells us, paralympian Jarryd Wallace is encouraging us all to reach our potential.

At the recent 2020 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials for cycling, swimming and track and field in Minneapolis, Jarryd Wallace finished first in the 100 meter sprint and will now compete in his third Paralympic Games this summer in Tokyo, Japan.

Wallace is a four-time world record-holder, three-time world champion, two-time Paralympian and member of Atlanta Track Club Elite.

He started the “Leg in Faith Foundation” in 2012 that gives grants to amputees 18-year-old and over who are dedicated to becoming future U.S. Paralympians

Jarryd’s pursuit of world-class athletics took a detour at age 18 when he was diagnosed with compartment syndrome. In what should have been his first year as a Division I athlete, Jarryd faced the stark reality of needing to have his own leg amputated.

And to people with impairment he was even bolder: “Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself; don’t be afraid to dream the impossible!”

To further support Team USA’s Paralympic athletes as they pursue their sport dreams and in partnership with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Toyota made history with the creation of nearly $5 million in stipend and sponsorship opportunities that will directly impact the lives of eligible U.S. Paralympic athletes aiming to compete at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 or the Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

If you would like to learn more about the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund and make a donations, visit support.teamusa.org/toyota. 

Dollars raised will provide direct support to paralympic athletes like Wallace and the programs that help them reach their full potential.

THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY TOYOTA.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — During the month of March CBS 42 is celebrating Women’s History Month by spotlighting women across Alabama who have or are making a major impact. Tuscaloosa Police officer Lillie Leatherwood is making a difference in her community.

Leatherwood works with kids and is the director of the Tuscaloosa Police departments athletic league.  Its a program designed to help keep kids stay postive to keep them engaged and out of trouble.  The 25-year police veteran is also a two time Olympic medal winner.

“I grew up wanting to be a police officer, and I also wanted to work with children. Thats why I went to the University to get my degree in social work. So when I started this job and realized they had this program, so now I feel like I am living the dream working with children and being a police officer” Leatherwood said.

Thirty-five years ago officer Leatherwood won a gold medal during the Olympic games in 1984 in
Los Angeles. Four years later, she won a silver medal in 1988 in the Seoul, South Korea Olympic games.
Leatherwood graduated from the University of Alabama and was only 19 years old when she quailified for her first Olympics.

“Winning it and being able to get on that podium and hearing our national anthem being played
obviously was the great experience and feeling that a person could have”.

Leatherwood says nowadays her biggest thrill isn’t the fame or winning medals, but its being a role
model to her kids who visit her gym.