'I WAS BORN THIS WAY'

US athletics star Frech wants to 'normalise disability', help ease barriers to para sport

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Ezra Frech's dream is to become the most successful Paralympian in history and with two golds at the age of 19 he is well on his way - but his goal is to use his high profile to "destigmatise" disability.

The American track and field athlete was born with missing bones in his left leg and just one finger on his left hand - at age two he had to have his left leg amputated and one of the toes from that foot transplanted onto his hand.

"When I was younger I used to be really upset why was I born like this and get really down on myself," he said previously.

"Then I realised as I got older I was born this way and (there was) no need to sulk in the sadness." Instead, he resolved to "make the most of my life, be the best athlete and student I can", the T63 highjump world-record holder added.