Imagine one day waking up without the ability to run, walk, stand, or do anything on two legs. Imagine how your life would be affected, whether it be your job, relationships, or emotional wellbeing. Fortunately, most people will never have to worry about that, but for some people, it’s a reality they can’t escape. This was almost the case for Cliff Devries, the diving coach at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). A surgery to remove a spinal tumor left Cliff paralyzed from the neck down, removing the ability to walk and stand on two legs, or so the doctors thought. His motivation to overcome these obstacles allowed him to learn to walk again. But what motivates Cliff? Every year on his birthday he dives into his pool, which is remarkable, but for Cliff, it's what keeps him moving for the other 364 days of the year.
Tackling obstacles is nothing new for Cliff, as he is paralyzed. He also challenges the conventional idea that people with disabilities are physically not able to do the same tasks and live the same life as someone who isn’t disabled. Cliff himself even comments on the destructiveness of a singular story in the ESPN mini documentary, E:60. “You might see me walking down the road and think ‘that guy’s got it rough.’ But there’s more, which is beyond what you think right now.” Additionally he challenges even the viewer’s perspective by saying that there’s a good chance they don’t think he’s capable of anything remarkable. They also challenge your perspective by opening up with a sign that reads that Cliff Devries is the diving coach, before you know anything about him. Many would assume that a coach if anyone, would fit the stereotype of someone “normal.” ESPN could’ve not shown him in the documentary, and if they just listed his accomplishments, the viewer would continue to assume his appearance to be “normal.” Cliff’s ability to challenge traditional thoughts about disabled people is astonishing due to the fact he exerts lots of energy into simple acts like walking. He uses those simple acts as motivation for himself to keep going, and it is truly inspirational.
At some point in everyone’s life, something tragic will happen, or something negative, or something as simple as waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Motivation to strive for better, or to improve yourself physically and mentally is something every human spirit desires but for many it doesn’t come very easily. Cliff has many elements that go against him, yet he is clearly one of the most motivated people most have ever seen. At first I did not believe Cliff’s life could ever resemble mine in any way, but I was soon mistaken. There are days where it feels impossible to accomplish anything, yet even my hardest and most gruesome days are nothing in comparison to what Cliff has to deal with, yet he still accomplishes what many people assumed was impossible for him. His story is heroic, motivational, and it gives hope to us in the world to don’t have a light to follow. He states that since he is able walk and dive, then anyone can accomplish whatever they desire to.
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in both positive and negative ways and because of that, many people have fallen off their regular habits. Cliff’s story of self motivation and determination is quite relevant in this time period. Many fellow student athletes could use Cliff as an example, use his unwillingness to quit as motivation during these times. Additionally, Cliff coaches RIT, which is only an hour and a half away from here. Having that close proximity to him, it proves that these relatable stories aren’t in some abstract location made in Hollywood, but right here in our own communities.
Cliff wants the viewer to be left with inspiration. “What can you find in yourself? What can you find in others? What more can you bring out?” Cliff states. Cliff also wants the viewer to maintain motivation, and that you could be surprised with what you have to offer to the world. Because, according to Cliff, “It’s a little bit beyond what you think right now.”
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