Charlotte Par­a­lympian Back on Track after Pros­thetic Running Blades Stolen

CHARLOTTE -- A Charlotte paralympic athlete his the track Tuesday for the first time since his prosthetic running blades were stolen.

Paul Peterson's east Charlotte apartment was broken into last week, and someone stole his blade, championship medals and Team USA gear.

He was able to raise enough money for a new blade in a matter of days, thanks to hundreds of people who donated to the cause online.

Peterson was excited to run on the track for the first time with his blade, but he said it will need some adjustments.

"I'm going to have to get used to everything," Peterson said. "The alignment and how the blade itself works. It will take me awhile, but I'm OK. At least I got the blade, and I'm going to get working."

In just four days more 600 people donated to a GoFundMe campaign to help Peterson get a replacement blade after his were stolen. Peterson says he never expected to get back on the track this soon.

"It's shown me that people really do care," he said. "And it shows how things can be turned around so fast. You never know what's going to happen."

But he does know what's going to happen at the U.S Paralympics Track and Field National Championships in two weeks.

"I'm bringing home a medal for sure," Peterson said. "All my other medals are stolen so I'm really motivated to get more."

His coach, Anthony James, says it's possible, Peterson is the real deal.

"The first day I saw him I thought, well he's explosive," James said.

James says it's Peterson's determination and attitude that really set him apart.

"For a guy who's gone through what he's gone through, a lot of positive," James said.

Last week's robbery was just a minor setback for the sprinter, who says he's focused on one thing right now.

"I'm just looking forward to that gun going off," Peterson said. "When the gun goes off, that's when all the fun begins."

Peterson is headed to Minnesota on the 18th for the national championships. The event will be held June 19 through June 21 in Minneapolis. Peterson will be competing in the 100 meters, 200 meters and the long jump.