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Thad Olmstead: one step ahead

Thad Olmstead likes to stay one step ahead in life, whether it's in math class at Lou Henry Elementary in Waterloo or on the football field.

"I want to be a professional football player or a cop," Thad said.

This rough and tumble nine year-old dreams of playing in the big leagues, never mind the fact he has no legs, and only half of all his fingers.

"Thad has this unbelieveable energy. Don't know where it comes from," teacher Jessica Bergman said.

Thad has never known life with legs. He caught meningitis of the blood as a baby. The disease attacked his hands and legs, which presented his parents with an unthinkable situation.

"We had to sign papers to allow his legs to be amputated, and we were sent home to have his fingers fall off," Thad's mom, Mary Olmstead, said.

As a determined toddler, Thad learned to crawl, and then graduated to designer legs.

"I picked them out myself," Thad said.

Thad admits daily tasks present a challenge.

"It's hard, people usually hold a pencil witht the tips of their fingers...It's harder to do a lot of stuff," Thad said.

But, never paying much attention to what he can't do, Thad quickly points to what he can.

"I can stand on my head longer," Thad said.

Thad inspires not only students, but his parents as well.

"I sometimes struggle with spirituality, but all I have to do is look at him and I know it exists...I don't know what I would do without him," Mary Olmstead said.

Thad's resolve will keep him one step ahead, whether it's in math class or in life.

Online Reporter: Sunny Layne