Long Beach wrestler overcoming the odds 

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“Wrestling is the best,” said Isaiah, who attends Lido Elementary School. “I love the Gladiators.”

Hopton said the Long Island community has been supportive in reaching out to help. This included a car that was donated to her by Stack’s Auto Service & Tire.

“It’s a blessing,” she said of the car donation.

Despite facing major adversity, Rodriguez said Isaiah has always managed to maintain a positive attitude.

“Isaiah has accepted the fact that he is different than most kids and he loves it,” said Rodriguez. “When at home or around his teachers, he jumps at the opportunity to ask you how your day was. He has this amazing ability to turn your worst day into something spectacular with just one question.”

No matter where Isaiah’s wrestling career takes him, Rodriguez said he can already claim victory.

“The one obstacle that Isaiah had to overcome is the naysayers and the voice inside that once told him that he could never be an athlete,” he said. “The self-confidence that this little boy possesses in second to none and with that, he has already won every match he will ever wrestle.”

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