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Joby MathewIndian athlete with disabilities, world champion in arm wrestling
Country:
 India |
Content:
- Biography of Joby Matthew
- A Challenging Childhood
- Overcoming Physical Challenges
- Supportive Family
- Discovering Arm Wrestling
- A Different Perspective
- Pursuing Other Interests
- A Family Man
Biography of Joby Matthew
Joby Matthew, a 33-year-old Indian athlete with limited physical abilities, is a world champion arm wrestler. Standing at just 104 cm tall, he effortlessly overpowers opponents who are nearly twice his height and do not have any physical impairments. Instead of complaining about his fate and sinking into despair because of his undersized legs, Matthew uses what he has to enjoy life.
A Challenging Childhood
Matthew was born in Kerala, India, with a congenital anomaly in his lower limbs called proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). However, this did not deter him from achieving success in arm wrestling. He has already won medals at international arm wrestling competitions five times.
Overcoming Physical Challenges
Despite his physical limitations, Matthew's developed muscular strength allows him to lift heavy weights and perform one-handed push-ups. He even drives a specially modified car that does not require the use of his legs. Matthew credits his ability to view life differently and cope with difficulties to his loved ones.
Supportive Family
Throughout his childhood, Matthew faced challenges in simply walking to school, as his home was located on top of a hill. With the support of his mother, he was able to make it to his educational institution after traversing almost half a kilometer of rough terrain. Despite missing out on sports activities, Matthew found solace in his family's encouragement.
Discovering Arm Wrestling
Matthew's achievements in volleyball and basketball led him to the arm wrestling arena, where he discovered his ability to defeat his classmates. This marked the beginning of his successful sporting career. He has won one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals on the world stage. At the 2005 World Championships in Japan, Matthew claimed three bronze medals, including one taken from physically healthy competitors. He achieved even greater success at the 2008 World Championships in Spain, winning the overall gold and a silver medal among competitors with limited abilities.
A Different Perspective
Despite his childhood struggles, Matthew never considered himself any less capable than others. He believes that everyone has some form of physical limitation, so he never views himself as disabled. To stay in shape, Matthew spends an hour at the gym every day and then bathes in the local river until he feels completely exerted.
Pursuing Other Interests
In addition to arm wrestling, Matthew has developed a passion for mountaineering and has even created a rigorous training program. After gaining invaluable experience in the foothills of the Himalayas and New Zealand, his ultimate goal is to conquer Mount Everest. Although it may take him eight years to be ready, Matthew is confident that with his existing experience, he will be able to achieve this feat.
A Family Man
After training, Matthew returns home to his 25-year-old wife, Megha, a professional dancer, and their two-month-old son.
