[http://active.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/72070657.jpg]

In Ottawa, Kansas there is a running back who has rushed for 1,000 yards on the football field this season.  That's impressive. But wait, there's more -- he's also legally blind and has a debilitating disease known as sickle cell anemia.

Darius Johnson's uncle, Darnell, told The Kansas City Channel, "He can only see clearly two feet in front of his face.  Everything else, he makes up for in some kind of way." Despite all that, Johnson has become a star football player for his Kansas high school team and was recently awarded a trophy and personalized jersey by the Derrick Johnson Third and Long Foundation. 

Do you know of any special athletes who overcame great odds to excel? If so, in what way did they overcome their unique situation?

(Photo provided by Getty Images, taken by Andy Lyons)