When Michael Cole began attending Destin Middle School earlier this year he never dreamed that he would be able to accomplish the illustrious sporting title of the Iron Marlin. The coveted title is reserved for one eighth grade boy and girl after completing a rigorous multi-sporting event at the end-of-year Marlin Olympics. But Michael, who deals with many physical setbacks, still wanted to go for it knowing that the odds would be slim.
“He has a condition where his body does not produce cortisol, which is adrenaline,” said Michael’s mother Betty Cole. “For him to go out and do any type of sports, he would love too, but he is just not able to. He is autistic, epileptic and has many, many more health issues than I have time to list, but during the Olympics he decided he wanted to compete for the Iron Marlin award.”
Unbeknownst to Michael, his Marlin peers had caught wind of his dream, and decided to band together to give him the best day of his life.
“The boys that were to compete against him did an amazing thing,” said Betty. “They slowed down and let him catch up, and basically they let him win it, then carried him off the field on their shoulders.”
Michael went home that day a champion. He had accomplished his dream and found true friends in the process. Betty told The Log that when Michael discovered his friends had let him win he was not upset, instead he was proud to have such a team of friends to lift him up.
“When he found out what his friends had done he kept telling me, ‘Mommy I have good friends,’ said Betty. “He told me that it made him feel good that he has such great friends that would do that for him.”
Last week during the DMS eighth grade promotion ceremony, Principal Charles Marello awarded Michael with the Boys Iron Marlin medal. As Michael proudly took the stage to receive his medal loud cheers and clapping erupted from the eighth grade class.
“What they did for my son will forever stand out in his life,” said Betty. “It’s a highlight that he will never forget because these kids decided to do something selfless and extraordinary. They don’t know the impact they had on him, for him to feel he can accomplish something like that, it’s a hope for the world.”