The Five Greatest Disabled Athletes of All Time

Throughout the history of athletics, there have been a handful of athletes who have overcome overwhelming odds to become absolutely incredible athletes.

These athletes, who range in experience from college to amateur to professional sports, all have achieved more than most under their circumstances could ever imagine.

Here are the athletes whom I consider to be the five best disabled athletes of all time:

5) Kyle Maynard: MMA

If you don't know about Kyle Maynard yet, you should. Despite missing both of hims arms and both of his legs, Kyle went 50- 0 as a high school varsity wrestler.

Just recently, Maynard has entered into the world of MMA, and he lost his first ever amateur fight......by decision! Despite his 30- 27 loss in his first matchup,

Kyle Maynard is a talented and inspirational athlete who may one day compete in the UFC or another professional MMA promotion. If he succeeds in doing so, he undoubtedly will move higher on this list.

4) Anthony Robles: Wrestling

Despite being born without one leg, Anthony Robles is one of the top division one wrestler in the United States. This year, Anthony made it all the way to the national semifinals, only to lose in a very close match.

Next year, Anthony will certainly be a front-runner to win the national championship. After Anthony completes his college education, I wouldn't be surprised if he either try outs for the U.S Olympic wrestling team, or possibly enters into a career in MMA.

3) Natalie Du Toit: Swimming

Natalie is a swimmer from South Africa who is missing most of her left leg.

However, this summer in Beijing, she became the first disabled swimmer to compete in the able- bodied Olympic games, and she put forth a representable performance.

Despite suffering a from a disability that would cripple many of us, Natalie is still a world class athlete.

2) Oscar Pistorius: Track & Field

First, I'd like you to imagine just how hard it is to compete as a sprinter at the international level. Now, I want you to imagine just how hard it would be if you didn't have any legs. Sounds impossible, huh?

It may sound like it, but don't tell that to Oscar Pistorius. Despite missing both of his legs, Oscar has become a world class sprinter, running instead on two prosthetic blades that are almost reminicent of ice skates.

Somehow, Oscar can run on his blades faster than almost any human can run on feet, and he just barely missed qualifying for the Olympics in Beijing. It's just a matter of time before Oscar Pistorius becomes an international superstar and inspiration.

1) Jim Abbott: Baseball

The fundamentals of baseball are relatively simple. You catch the ball with one hand, and you throw with the other. Well, that doesn't quite apply to Jim Abbott. Born without a right hand, this superstar developed a method of baseball unlike anything we have ever seen.

During his career, Jim would throw with his left hand, keeping his glove tucked in his other arm.

After throwing the ball, he switches the glove to his other hand with lightning quickness, catches the ball if necessary, then switches the glove back again and makes the throw. It sounds unrealistic, but its true.

In fact, Abbott has even thrown a no hitter in the Major Leagues! Without a doubt, this winner of 87 major league games is the greatest disabled athlete of all time.