It's hard to tell what's most impressive about Jake Olson. The 16-year-old junior at Orange Lutheran High School in California plays varsity football and golf, works as a motivational speaker and has co-authored a book.
And oh yeah, he's blind.
Olson lost one eye to cancer as an infant and another at age 12. He's always loved football, and specifically USC. Before his right eye was removed four years ago, Olson asked to be able to watch a Trojans practice. Then-coach Pete Carroll and his team took Olson in and welcomed him like a brother.
Now, quite improbably, Olson himself is playing high school football. He learned to be a long snapper and fought his way onto the team. ESPN recently spotlighted Olson's role on the team. He's not simply a feel-good story, he's actually contributing to his team each game.
Football is just one of Olson's many passions. He's also a motivational speaker and a golfer who is intent on becoming the first blind man in the PGA. Olson spoke with David Whiting of the Orange County Register about his amazing drive.
"I want to be recognized after I leave this Earth as Jake Olson, a man who defined his circumstances instead of letting his circumstances define him.”
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