CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Eight-year-old wrestler Carter Coop is showing the world that he has no limitations.
Carter, who was born with Down syndrome, won his first wrestling match this past weekend as part of the Alliance Wrestling Academy in Clarksville. His mother, Elizabeth Coop, is glad to see her son having fun in a sport that he loves.
Coop said she signed Carter up for wrestling at the suggestion of their older son’s coach, Brandon Morris.
“Of course we were hesitant. We didn’t know how he would react if he got pinned and lost,” Coop said. “This year he has wrestled in two tournaments and just smiles through each and every match. He has lost every match so far until this past weekend. He loves being out on the mat just like the other kids.”
Courtesy: Elizabeth Coop
Coop said during this last match, the coach and Carter’s opponent, Cayden Fowler from Wilson County, arranged for Carter to be able to “win” his first match.
The pair wrestled for three whole minutes before Carter pinned Cayden, sealing his first victory.
“This child is a national champion and what he did was such a huge honor for our son,” Coop said. “No one wants to lose, but that boy didn’t care and was so excited to let Carter win one.”
Congratulations, Carter!
You can watch Carter’s victory match below: