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Born Without Legs, Gymnastics Star Inspires Millions
19 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Paige Calendine, born without legs, excelled in state and national gymnastics.
- She had to step away from competition in mid-2024 due to increasing pain.
- Calendine now coaches young gymnasts and pursues a career in pediatric medicine.
Paige Calendine, born without legs, achieved remarkable success in gymnastics, excelling in both state and national competitions. Her mother, Heidi, enrolled her in lessons early on to build strength, and Paige quickly developed a love for the sport, earning numerous accolades.
Despite facing challenges and needing to adapt, Paige's resilience shone through. Her journey gained national attention, leading to an invitation to the 2024 Olympic Trials to advocate for para-gymnastics. A documentary about her life, "Built Different," was released in 2024, further amplifying her inspiring story.
In mid-2024, Paige made the difficult decision to retire from competitive gymnastics due to pain. However, her athletic spirit remains strong as she participates in cheerleading, football, swimming, and basketball. She now coaches young children at her old gym, sharing her passion and preparing for a future as a pediatrician.
