Matias Ferreira, Double Amputee Afghanistan War Vet, Runs Disney Half Marathon

Though racing long distances in his prosthetic legs is painful, that didn't keep Lance Corporal Matias Ferreira from completing the half marathon in Disney World on Saturday.

"They start hurting after a little bit," Ferreira told WESH about his prosthetics. "But there's no reason to stop. You just keep going."

Ferreira lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan and raced with two other servicemen who had been injured in combat, 14News reports. The team completed the 13.1-mile feat with Achilles International, an organization that trains people with disabilities to hit the running course.

"It's very exciting to be here," Ferreira told WESH, "to see what I can do."

Want to help other wounded warriors get back to racing? Consider donating to Achilles International here.

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Comments

[searay41]

09:24 AM on 01/09/2012

I am so proud of the character of our military soldiers. What a wonderful story. Bless you and your family.

[Savannah5]

08:38 AM on 01/09/2012

This veteran who is what this country needs on the ballot. Seriously, we need someone who has sacrificed for this country and yet walks the walk, not just does the talking.

[Lisa Lorigan]

07:01 AM on 01/09/2012

I also did this race and I saw him on the course, not knowing who he was. What an amazing young man. So inspirational.

[Leatherneck Marine]

05:30 AM on 01/09/2012

Semper-Fi Marine.......

[HarmonTerr]

07:05 AM on 01/09/2012

Oo-rah! Do or die!
Doc

[honeyspcg]

11:45 PM on 01/08/2012

There's the Wounded Warriors Program. Trace Adkins is it's spokesperson. Donate if you can.

[straight skinny]

09:52 PM on 01/08/2012

That's the attitude-Never give up and Never lose Hope! The indomitable Spirit of Human Beings can Conquer Anything as this Brave Marine proved to himself-and to the rest of the world!

Kudos to Lance Corporal Matias Ferreira!!

[kejavas]

09:24 PM on 01/08/2012

coolest thing today

[lynniemiller]

08:32 PM on 01/08/2012

Proud of him . Painful and takes courage and drive.

Best wishes to Lance Corporal Ferreira

[CHUXKLES]

07:32 PM on 01/08/2012

I am amazed by these soldiers and applaude their drive and resilance having faced such horrible injurries answering the call of their country.

A neighbor lad lost both his legs in Afghanistan and was once a super athelete. I am truly amazed and inspired by his great attitutde and positive attitude. He lost so much yet remains strong and is truly a role model for us all. He faces each day as a joy..is positive and is looking forward, not back. I am a VnmVet and feel he is my hero. I am through it...complete and he shows me what I could never have realized possible with his courage.

[lynniemiller]

08:32 PM on 01/08/2012

Thank you for your service!

[glenndacho2]

06:27 PM on 01/08/2012

tink tink tink tink tink go tink tink go

[lynniemiller]

08:33 PM on 01/08/2012

Sounds rude. What did you mean by that? glenndacho2

[glenndacho2]

08:52 AM on 01/09/2012

it is rude, google it and stop asking me stupid questions

[kingbenny]

05:53 PM on 01/08/2012

In a world that needs hero's, a society starving for positive role models, look no further. Semper Fi brother.

[moccasinmike]

04:56 PM on 01/08/2012

semper fi

[jgamble28]

04:53 PM on 01/08/2012

Wow I'm impressed.

[robertstone1robert]

03:42 PM on 01/08/2012

Congratulations! We're grateful for your service.

[patemcmillen]

02:59 PM on 01/08/2012

This is great news for below the knee ampt's. They can and do most anything that anyone with two legs can do. But think about being an above knee amp it's much more difficult. I like to see what double above knee amp can do.