<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fireport.cnn.com%2Fdocs%2FDOC-1214949">Rachel Miller's</a> son John is profoundly disabled. He is autistic and unable to speak. But John's coach, Jeff Hancock, looked beyond the disability from the time he and John were introduced in 2003. Here, John jumps hurdles during a track event in Stuart, Florida.
Inspiring an athlete —
Rachel Miller's son John is profoundly disabled. He is autistic and unable to speak. But John's coach, Jeff Hancock, looked beyond the disability from the time he and John were introduced in 2003. Here, John jumps hurdles during a track event in Stuart, Florida.
Courtesy Rachel Miller
In May 2014, John won the gold medal for the 800 meters and the silver for the 110-meter hurdles at the Special Olympics State Summer Games in Orlando. Here, the 18-year-old poses with his family in a group photo. His mother, Rachel, is to his left.
Inspiring an athlete —
In May 2014, John won the gold medal for the 800 meters and the silver for the 110-meter hurdles at the Special Olympics State Summer Games in Orlando. Here, the 18-year-old poses with his family in a group photo. His mother, Rachel, is to his left.
Courtesy Rachel Miller
Hancock also taught John to surf. Here, John glides on his board during a Special Olympics practice at Stuart Beach in July 2011.
Inspiring an athlete —
Hancock also taught John to surf. Here, John glides on his board during a Special Olympics practice at Stuart Beach in July 2011.
Courtesy Rachel Miller
Through years of companionship, friendship and dedication, Hancock became John's life coach.
Inspiring an athlete —
Through years of companionship, friendship and dedication, Hancock became John's life coach.
Courtesy Rachel Miller
Here, a 12-year-old John shows off his first-place medal for the 100 meters at the Special Olympics Summer State Games in 2008.
Inspiring an athlete —
Here, a 12-year-old John shows off his first-place medal for the 100 meters at the Special Olympics Summer State Games in 2008.
Courtesy Rachel Miller