Michael Jordan once said, “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”Â
True to the famous basketball player’s words, life will always be filled with challenges. And when life gives you lemons, you should know how to make a tasty and satisfying lemonade out of it!
Manami Ito is a perfect example of a person who did not let the obstacles in life prevent her from living her life to the fullest. The Japanese registered nurse lost her right arm in a road accident last 2004, when she was studying to become a nurse. Manami Ito may have lost an arm, but her dedication and determination to live and explore her potential are still with her heart.
After spending time in a rehabilitation facility where she got her prosthetic arm, Manami Ito saw a lot of people with disability who are doing things that normal people can do.
She was surprised to see that there are disable people who are even playing basketball! Taking the respectable sight she saw in the medical facility, Manami Ito was inspired to pursue acquiring other skills despite her disability.
Now, Manami Ito is an outstanding Paralympian swimmer. In year 2008, the inspiring woman placed 4th in the 100m Breaststroke at the Beijing Paralympics; meanwhile in year 2012, she ranked 8th at the London Paralympics.
Aside from being a Paralympian swimmer, Manami Ito was able to successfully pursue her dreams of becoming a registered licensed nurse. In fact, she is the first nurse in Japan to have a prosthetic arm!
On top of that, Manami Ito is also a certified violinist! Seriously, is there anything she cannot do?! Today, Manami Ito spends her days traveling and sharing her talent in music by performing around the country.
As the old saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. May Manami Ito’s remarkable story inspire us to never allow challenges and struggles stop us from reaching our maximum potential!
Her powerful Violin performance using her prosthetic arm reached thousands of people around the world. Thousands of these people expressed support and words of encouragement for the Japanese woman who is now serving as an inspiration!
Watch the wonderful Violin performance of Manami Ito held at the Takarazuka City General Welfare Center in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, below.
With closed eyes, you won’t even notice that she was using her prosthetic arms as she made magic with her gift in music. Her moving rendition of Thread and her one-of-a-kind story will surely inspire you to soar above life’s challenges!
Photos and Video | Kazushige Masuda and Nepali in Japan