GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Grayson High School junior Najee Smothers, who was born with spina bifida, has been defying the odds for his entire life.
At 17, Najee emerged as one of the world’s most elite adaptive athletes, earning a silver medal in Egypt with the U.S. National Wheelchair Handball Team.
Reflecting on his journey, Najee acknowledges it hasn’t been easy: “It’s been a challenge for sure getting to where I am now. From when I was little to now, it’s been a big leap.”
Najee’s mother, Noraa Smothers, remembers the moment she learned about Najee’s condition during pregnancy.
“I was pregnant with him. Five months in, they told me, ‘Your baby has spina bifida. He won’t be able to walk. He won’t live a viable life.'” Yet, from his earliest moments, Najee displayed a fighting spirit. “Najee was kicking at hours old. I was like, ‘This dude is going to be different.'”
During his childhood, Najee could walk but occasionally depended on a wheelchair. At nine years old, a severe leg burn resulted in a critical infection. Determined to live life fully, Najee made a life-changing decision: “For me, I wanted to live my life to the fullest, so I decided to have it amputated.”
This determination propelled him into the realm of adaptive sports, where he not only excelled as an athlete but also became a role model.
Christy Jones of the American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs highlights Najee’s impact: “This gives them that community and that support. You talk about Najee up here, they know, ‘Hey, he played handball in Egypt,’ so it builds community and builds resources.”
The journey has also deepened the bond between Najee and his mother.
“He has taught me patience. He has taught me unconditional love. He has taught me compassion.” Grateful for their journey together, she adds, “I just thank God for choosing me to be his mom.”
Najee’s message to others facing challenges is one of perseverance: “No matter the limit, no matter where I’m at, just keep going, continue to push and don’t ever give up.”
