While some people might think of a disability as something that brings an individual down, Tate Ratliff is determined to correct those assumptions. Ratliff is an inspiring young man who currently attends Green High School in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, where he trains very hard to compete in track and field.
Ratliff competes as a wheelchair racer in three different events: the seated 100-meter, 400-meter and 800-meter races. Last spring, Ratliff placed second in all three of these events on his fourth trip to the Ohio state meet. Ratliff said that racing doesn’t really make him nervous anymore, as he is always too excited to let nerves bother him. Instead, he “just goes with the flow.” He is currently in his junior year, and he plans on working very hard to try to place first in his events at state this year and next.
Ratliff said that he loves the sport. While it does come with a lot of negatives, the benefits are what keep him going. He said that wheelchair racing is very strenuous and hard on his body, especially his back, as seated racers have to keep their chest against their thighs while racing in order to stabilize and balance their chairs. Being hunched over for a long time, especially after competing in the 800-meter race, immediately causes back pain for him after crossing the finish line.
“It’s really hard on my body, but being able to be an inspiration to others and bringing pride to my school is worth it all,” he said. “This is how I support my community. It has also connected me to so many other people in wheelchairs. I’ve made some life-long friends doing this.”
When getting ready for a track meet, he always makes sure to carb up on pasta to give him enough energy to push as hard as he can around the track. His favorite place to go before the state meet is Olive Garden, where he celebrates the milestone of simply getting to state with his family. He said that his family always celebrates him, even when he doesn’t think he did his best.
Ratliff said that his pre-race ritual is to listen to his music and to pray before every single race. This tradition reflects another talent he has — music. In his free time away from training, he said that he is constantly practicing new songs on his guitar. Ratliff has a very passionate love for music, and he is able to play the drums, steel guitar, bass, lead guitar and piano, but he mainly focuses on bass and lead guitar. He said that his biggest aspiration is to be a professional musician after he graduates high school. He added that his inspiration comes from famous musicians David Gilmour and Jimmy Page. He said that he knows this is a difficult goal to reach, but he is “going to work hard, never give up or let anything stand in my way.” He currently plays in local restaurants such as Fred’s Restaurant in Wheelersburg, Ohio, and he would love to have a bigger audience when he performs in the future.
Ratliff said he hopes to always inspire others, especially others in wheelchairs, to feel confident in following their dreams.
“Fear will always hold you back, so never let it hold you down,” he said.
