Teen with Down syndrome completes Austin Half Marathon

Owen Rawl is an 18-year-old with Down Syndrome. Despite the health challenges that can come along with Down syndrome, Rawl wanted to try completing a half marathon — which he did, with the help of his friends at Ainsley’s Angels, an organization that aims to “ensure everyone can experience endurance events.”

Ainsley’s Angels was founded by Kim “Rooster” Rossiter and his wife Lori, who were inspired by their daughter, Ainsley. At age four in 2003, Ainsley was diagnosed with Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD). Running became an outlet for Ainsley and their family as they coped with Ainsley’s terminal diagnosis, which took her life in 2016 at age 13. Now, their organization offers opportunities to all special needs individuals, to enjoy the rush of these high-energy endurance events. 

Rawl exemplified this high-energy attitude during the Austin Half Marathon on February 18th. Handing out high fives and knuckle bumps the whole way, Rawl cheered on his teammates while receiving support through part of the half marathon — riding in a cart pushed by his ‘Angel,’ Ross Tschirn, a fitness instructor in the Austin area.

READ: Teen with Down syndrome sings national anthem at Chicago White Sox game

Ainsley’s Angels offers opportunities to people by pairing them with athletes like Tschirn, who are willing to “go the extra mile” to support someone to the finish line. Tschirn shared his inspiration for becoming an Ainsley’s Angel: “When I became a trainer, it was so that I could make an impact in other’s lives. So, when this opportunity came to me, it was a no-brainer… I wanted to share [fitness] with somebody, and the energy he gave me – these memories I will have for the rest of my life.”

Tschirn said Rawl was so supportive of his fellow runners, screaming “Let’s go! Let’s go!”

Rawl’s mother, Lisa, explained that this positive attitude is just a glimpse of the joy she gets to experience with her son on a daily basis: “This kid wakes up with sunshine and he goes to bed with sunshine.”

Following the race, Rawls said, “I feel amazing.” He has two more races ahead of him so far in 2024 and has already participated in three. 

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