Staff report
The New Mexico Activities Association recently announced that Estancia High School student-athlete Olavio Hernandez is the National High School Spirit of Sport Section 6 Award Winner. This award recognizes individuals who have overcome adversity.
According to a press release from the NMAA, Olavio Hernandez faced a significant challenge when his lower leg was amputated following a cancer diagnosis a couple of years ago. After intense physical therapy, Hernandez returned to the basketball court and finished his high school career, serving as an inspiration to his teammates and community.
“I just see myself, the way I used to see myself, playing basketball with two legs,” Olavio said. “I try my best. I never give up on the court. Sometimes I think I look different, but I got over that. It’s going to look different, but it’s always possible to do something the same as someone else.”
Growing up, Hernandez was always active in sports.
“You talk about a kid that loves sports, that’s all he wants to do,” said Estancia boys basketball coach Daniel Pierce.
Hernandez began experiencing knee pain in middle school, which worsened until he received an MRI in his freshman year. The MRI revealed a mass that was later diagnosed as cancer. After three surgeries failed to remove the cancer, Hernandez made the difficult decision to amputate his leg.
Following surgery, Hernandez underwent extensive physical therapy.
“I got my prosthetic two months after my surgery and trying to get to walk was difficult, not just physically, but mentally, and trying to get through that depression I had,” Hernandez said.
His determination to play basketball again helped him through this challenging time. Hernandez returned to the court, playing in pick-up games to regain his mobility.
“My friends helped me a lot. I told them I was going to come back for sure, I wasn’t going to give up on that,” he said.
As a high school senior, Hernandez completed his playing career with the Estancia Bears.
“He never gives up, he goes, goes, goes,” Pierce said. “No matter how much pain he was in, or how much he was hurting, he would continue to strive to be the best kid he could be.”
Hernandez wraps his leg before games to prevent accidental injury to opponents. He views himself as no different from other players.
“I try my best, I never give up on the court,” Hernandez said. “It’s a little challenging still. I try to keep up with the other players, but I stay in it.”