Michigan Golf Journal June 2020

Michigan Golf Journal High School Golf The One-Legged Wonder Leads Lawton Golf Team By Tom Lang Upon first glance at Lawton High junior Olivia Cramer, some could think maybe she doesn’t belong in competitive high school sports. Especially in high-octane, fast-moving, environments like varsity volleyball and basketball. Or as captain of the boy’s golf team. All it would prove is that looks can be very deceiving. “I’ve always wanted to show people that I’m not disabled; I hate that term,” Cramer said in a matter-of- fact tone and with a huge dose of positivity. “I’m able, just in a different way, and I like to show people I’m not just going to sit on my couch and watch TV. I can go out and do the same things as others, if not better than they do.” Cramer was born with a non-genetic condition called proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), which among many factors affects the length of her right leg bone. She wears a prosthetic “runner’s blade” when playing indoor sports – and a more traditional-looking prosthetic for golf and everyday life – because her right femur is shorter than normal. She also does not have a right fibula but does have all her foot bones. Give credit to the young people of Lawton that she claims to have never been bullied for looking different. That’s likely because she doesn’t act different; unless being different means displaying a positive attitude no matter what the circumstances, and looking at challenges in sports – or in life – simply as hurdles to overcome rather than walls that stop you. Continues on page 6 >>