Renzo Rios Nino: My superpower would be to cure others’ disabilities

Gearing up for the 4th annual Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility® races presented by Cigna, we’re talking to athletes and guides to share stories about who they are and what brought them to our Chapter. Enjoy!

One of the many fresh new faces to the Connecticut Chapter this year is Renzo Rios Nino. Part of our ever-growing group of athletes hailing from Fairfield County, he’s a huge fan of animals and healthy eating (as you’ll see in his response to our “favorite foods” question)! Renzo is also one of our biggest cheerleaders, frequently opting to support his Achilles teammates at the start and finish lines with plenty of cowbell, smiles and words of encouragement.

In addition to answering the questions below, Renzo shared with us a short video that he recorded at the age of 16, which explains how he lost his vision as a nine-year-old. Check out the video here, and be sure to introduce yourself to Renzo at the next race!

How did you get involved with Achilles Connecticut?

I heard about Achilles from Jordan Acevedo, a friend of mine who is a member. I’ve never done a 10k, and eventually maybe in a year or two I might be able to do it.

Why are you running in the Hope & Possibility® races?

I am walk-running because I want to be active, but also just to make good and new friends.

If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?

I would pick a dog because I am loyal, gentle, friendly and just love to be around people.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I have so many favorite foods, but if I had to pick one it would be rice and split pea soup.

What was your favorite subject in school, and why?

My favorite class in school was history because I got to learn about what happened in our country and other countries.

Who is your hero?

My hero is Hellen Keller because she never gave up. She always, always strived forward. And she wanted to help others.

Anything else you’d like to add?

If I had to pick a superpower, it would be the ability to touch someone’s shoulder and cure them of all diseases, including blindness, death and much, much more.

The 4th annual Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility® races presented by Cigna take place on July 21 in Bloomfield, Connecticut. To register, visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/achilles-ct-hope-possibility-run/

To make a donation to Achilles Connecticut to help offset the costs of disabled athletes’ race registration fees and equipment, visit http://achillesct.everydayhero.do/