Boxing
Antonio Vargas
His boxing skills notwithstanding, “perseverance personified” might best describe this 19-year old from Puerto Rico who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of nine. Rather than subject his son to medications, his father – Jose Estevez – decided to bring him to the gym so Antonio could burn the excess energy that couldn’t keep him still. Fast-forward ten years later, his father’s prescription appears to have paid off. Vargas has compiled an impressive resume of medals and titles from 2013 to 2015 in multiple competitions, including gold at the 2015 Pan American Games in the flyweight division. Also a devout Christian, Vargas credits his faith as a ‘grounding and driving’ force. Qualifying for the Olympics did not come easy for this resident from Kissimmee, Florida after initial early losses in trial tournaments but – through faith and determination – he performed brilliantly when it counted to earn a shot at gold next month.