Michael Heynatz does not see himself differently to anyone, but is he is inspiration personified

Woodridge State High School student Michael Heynatz does not see himself as being different to anyone else, but the reality is that he is inspiration personified.

It was at last year’s regional athletics meet at QE II stadium when Michael Heynatz had a win even before the starters gun was fired for any event.

He climbed 200 stairs to sit with his fellow competitors.

Heynatz will probably cringe at this story being told because he does not feel, or like to be treated, any differently to anyone else.

But because he was diagnosed with meningococcal aged 10 months, he is physically impaired and scaling those stairs that day, on multiple occasions, was an effort many of us could find overwhelming.

Michael Heynatz at the Bridge to Brisbane 2019. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“Both my legs were amputated, and arms and hands were scarred by skin grafts,’’ he said in reference to the meningococcal.

“I was also left with an acquired brain injury and mild intellectual disability.

“However that has made me who I am today — tough, resilient and determined.’’

Climbing those 200 stairs, and doing it time and again throughout the day of that athletics carnival, said everything about him.

“Michael is very independent, he does not see himself as having a

disability,’’ said Tanya Beths, the sport co-ordinator at his school of Woodridge State High School.

“He did not want help, he said he was capable. I carried his wheelchair but all day Michael went up and down on his own and competed.’’

In fact Heynatz does not regard the aftermath of meningococcal as the biggest challenge he faces. “The challenge I face is resources at venues not being suitable,’’ he said.

A nomination for the Quest Community Newspapers’ Local Sport Star awards (inspiration category), Heynatz is also a swimmers well as a runner.

Only last month he competed in the Bridge to Brisbane event.

Michael Heynatz loves the Woodridge SHS community.

“Michael loves sport, he is the first to warming up and marshalled at his

events,’’ Beths said.

“He has a very caring and compassionate side and will always put the needs of others before him in the sporting arena.

“He gives 100 per cent in every event. There are no barriers for him.

“If Michael could be on the track or in the pool all the time, that is where you would find him.

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Aside from being inspiring and determined, he is also selfless.

“Michael works alongside his other friends in promoting and fostering a

positive link to participation in athletic and swimming,’’ Beths said.

Michael Heynatz is also a swimmer.

“He is an advocate within the school regarding student participation and

engagement and represents our community with pride at sporting

events.’’

Michael Heynatz loves his swimming.

Beths describes his family as “beautiful’’ and Heynatz as “a true inspiration’’.

“Anyone that meets him and has the chance to talk with him will see his true determination, passion for life and the huge adversity he has overcome,’’ she said.