TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – In this week’s episode of Run for Fun, we chat with a freshman member of the Florida Southern Cross-Country team in Lakeland. Daniel Welling grew up in Polk County. He was born premature, and he weighed less than two pounds at birth. Welling was also diagnosed with an inoperable brain cyst that required a shunt in his head to manage. In the end, that diagnosis would keep him from playing most sports.

Despite the challenges, Daniel was determined to get involved in athletics. He soon found a natural ability to run, and he and his grandfather nurtured that ability for years.

Leigh Spann and Coach Maria chat with Daniel about his first collegiate cross-country meets and how he relentlessly pursued an athletic dream above all obstacles.

It’s a reminder that sports, like distance running, can give people a purpose and allow them to rise above difficulties. Be sure to watch or listen to previous episodes of Run for Fun for more ways to keep running an enjoyable part of your lifestyle.