Being born with deformities doesn’t mean people stop chasing their dreams. In fact, many use these challenges as motivation to overcome obstacles and realize their aspirations. This is exactly what German-born track and field athlete Thomas Eller aims to do. Thomas is a deaf marathon runner who aspires to become a six-star finisher by completing all six World Marathon Majors.

The races are held in the following cities: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo. Thomas aims to complete all of these marathons in a single year. He has already finished the marathons in Tokyo, Boston, and London, and now he’s gearing up for the Berlin marathon on September 29th.

Speaking to NBC News, Thomas Eller talks about the major challenges he faces in the track. He said, “I can’t hear the starter’s gun at the start line. I’m always starting late. When I am running, since I can’t hear the cars passing, I am always scared and surprised.” Thomas Eller was born in Essen, Germany, to hearing parents. As she knew the challenges a deaf child could face, his mother was very protective of him throughout his childhood.

However, Thomas took speech therapy classes and learned to speak and sign in three languages. In 2018, he decided to run his first marathon after being encouraged by a friend. Although he was a great runner, he had never officially competed in a race before. At the Petra Desert Marathon, the German athlete finished fourth and has never looked back.

Now, Thomas is regarded as an inspiration by his fellow marathon runners. This was evident during the 2019 Tokyo Marathon when people approached him before the race to offer their support and thank him for inspiring them. He was deeply moved by their words, leading him to cry after crossing the finish line. This emotional journey was documented in a series called Six Star Stories with Thomas Eller.

But, while Thomas Eller loves to run in the marathon, it is not his main occupation. He believes that the job that he currently does is what inspires and motivates him to run the marathon.

Thomas Eller on what motivates him to race such long distances

During the same interview with NBC News, Thomas Eller was asked what motivates him to keep pushing forward. He replied, “My deaf students.” Thomas teaches at the David-Ludwig Bloch School, named after the German artist who lost his hearing at an early age. This school is dedicated exclusively to deaf children, providing them with a safe space to learn. Thomas aspires to become a six-star finisher for his students, so they can step into the world knowing that anything is possible if they set their minds to it. Beyond this, Thomas has an even bigger dream that could lead to a better world.

Thomas Eller wants to build a better understanding between the deaf and the hearing communities. This could pave the way for better opportunities for the deaf, leading them to a better lifestyle. The German athlete believes the way to do this is to travel throughout the world and inspire change. He said, “I can build a bridge between deaf and hearing communities. Running all over the world gives me the possibility to make this happen. This is a big opportunity for me to show the world that deaf people can do anything except hear.” Looking at his utmost self-belief, it seems a matter of time before Thomas Eller will achieve his dream of becoming a six-star finisher. It will be a historic moment for the deaf community and could inspire change, which is the outcome Thomas hopes for.