I don't think I've ever seen two brothers be as dedicated to each other as 9-year-old Conner Long and his 7-year-old brother, Cayden. The siblings are so close that they even race in triathlons together–which would be adorable enough in itself, but is even more amazing considering that Cayden has cerebral palsy and can't walk or talk without help.
In an effort to make more connected to his little brother, Conner takes Cayden alongside him for the entirety of the race. He pulls his younger sibling in a raft during the swimming part of the race, bikes with a trailer behind him holding Cayden, and pushes that same trailer while running to the finish line. And though reportedly, the two usually end up finishing last, they don't mind as long as they finish together.
"If people would race with people who can't walk or talk, or who have any kind of autism, it might open the eyes of people who don't really care about it," Conner said in a video by Sports Illustrated Kids Magazine, which has just named them their SportsKids of the Year.
Isn't that incredible? What an inspiring story! I am truly left in awe by Conner's genuine kindness. He's so young yet so willing to go to great lengths to include his younger brother in activities that he'd probably have to miss out on otherwise. I mean, how many 9-year-old kids (or adults for that matter) have that kind of compassion and heart?
I'm so glad that Sports Illustrated has recognized and honored their amazing relationship because they truly deserve it. And I applaud their parents for raising such great kids … they must be so proud!
Image via Sports Illustrated Kids
