Racing Against Adversity
The inspiring story of Víctor Solís: How his fight against Lyme disease led him to win marathons and conquer a world record
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
An unexpected turn of events
At just 21 years old, Víctor Solís Garavito faced an unexpected challenge when he was diagnosed with Lyme disease. It's a bacterial infection caught from a tick bite.
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Battle for his health
Víctor spent months in hospital battling muscle and joint pain, even losing his speech and sight and coming to the brink of death.
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Getting his life back
Following successful treatment and ever grateful to those who helped him, Víctor decided to work with the doctor who saved his life. That's when he came across a phrase that changed his life: "If you smoke a cigarette, you'll take three hours off your life, but if you do one hour of exercise, you gain one day of life."
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A passion for 26 miles
Víctor immersed himself in the world of running, taking part in major marathons around the world, including New York, Boston, Chicago and Berlin.
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
An unusual Guinness World record
In 2017, Víctor achieved an odd Guinness World Record: completing a marathon in four hours, five minutes ... dressed as a cardboard star. His outfit symbolized his last name Solís and his personal struggle.
"Everything came about from a crazy idea. When I was a kid there was this TV program called The Guinness World Records, and I would always watch it and then go to the park to try and do the things I saw on the program."
"Running in a cardboard star was no easy feat; quite the opposite! It was the worst thing in the world—I've never sweat so much, I had heat stroke and bouts of anxiety and claustrophobia. When it was over, I threw up the equivalent of my weight in water."
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Inspiration and meaning
On the back of his star, Víctor showcased the signatures of those who inspired him: family, friends, teachers and students.
"I do believe that the record isn't just mine. The word Mexico appears four times—this record belongs to Mexico. I didn't become who I am alone. I am who I am because of all these people who have supported me along the way."
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Víctor as an educator
Víctor proudly trains at Monterrey Institute of Technology, where he teaches and lectures on employability. His story serves as inspiration for his students and colleagues.
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mindful way of life
At 32 years old, Víctor adopted a lifestyle focused on mindfulness and a plant-based diet. This transformation shows that no matter what our achievements, there is always a new path to walk in order to lead a better life.
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A new frontier
With eyes firmly locked on new challenges, Víctor is preparing to become the fastest Mexican person to complete the six major marathons in the world: New York, Chicago, Boston, Berlin, London and Tokyo
Víctor Solís (2023-10-28) by Manuel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Inspiring change
Víctor Solís Garavito's story, from battling Lyme disease to smashing records, is a testimony of strength and hope. His journey teaches us that anything is possible when you have passion and resilience.
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