A 20-YEAR-OLD man who has broken over 300 bones has become an international swimming champion. Moin Junnedi was born with a rare condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta – more commonly referred to as ‘brittle bone disease’ - a rare genetic disorder characterised by bone fragility and vulnerability to bone fractures. But despite his bones being as fragile as glass, the student from Karnataka, has pursued a career in swimming. Moin told Barcroft TV: “Before I started swimming, life was not good as much as today. I didn’t have friends, nothing to do at home, just watch TV.” When Moin was born, his mother, Kouser, was told by doctors that her son only had three days to live. Kouser said: “Ever since my son was born, I feel motivated. “So many people have been inspired by his dedication and hard work.” Despite trying, Kouser couldn’t enroll her son into a mainstream school or schools for people with disabilities, so she taught him at home. Moin’s life transformed when a popular Paralympic swimming coach, Umesh Kalghatgi took him under his wing. Umesh said: “I spotted Moin at a government event in 2009 and I immediately though that swimming might take his pain away. “Since then Moin has been my star student and together we have garnered an international fame and reputation.” Due to his hard work, dedication and mum’s support, Moin has won over 22 medals in various national and international Paralympic swimming championships. As well as swimming, Moin is also pursuing an undergraduate degree in commerce and economics at local university.
