Edmond Girl with Cerebral Palsy Smashes Records at National Competition

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Cerebral palsy may have weakened her legs, but 10-yearold Alexsa Halko hasn't let that stop her from dominating a recent national competition.

"I just wanted to do something that I could really do because some of the kids that were playing basketball or something, I couldn't keep up to them," Alexsa said.

The Edmond girl recently competed in the National Junior Disabled Championship in Chicago.

"In track I did the 400, 800, 200 and 100, and in the field I did softball, javelin, discus, shot put and club," Alexsa said.

Working from her speed chair, Alexsa competed in multiple track and field events against other disabled children from around the country.

Alexsa Halko at the National Junior Disabled Championship

By the end, she had won nine gold medals and set eight national records.

Alexsa's dad wasn't surprised.

"She's got a work ethic like nobody else's, no one I've ever met. She works a little bit harder every day, and she doesn't give up," said Pete Halko, Alexsa's dad.

Next stop for Alexsa will be the Iron Kids Triathalon at Lake Hefner.

In a few years, Alexsa said she hopes to compete in the Paralympics in Brazil.