Let’s admit it, superheroes are for all ages. We are always amazed by these fictional characters and our amusement for them goes beyond just simple admiration.
This includes Iron Man.
This all-machine fictional character is one of the most popular superheroes out there, wouldn’t you agree?
Iron Man is the superhero persona of Anthony Edward “Tony” Stark, a businessman and engineer who runs the company Stark Industries.
This character was first seen on the big screen in the first film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Iron Man back in 2008.
And as fate would have it, the stars above must’ve aligned perfectly because they’ve chosen the BEST actor to portray the character.
Robert Downey Jr.
RDJ began his acting career as a child. But then, as a young man, he struggled for years with substance abuse and legal troubles. But his career in Hollywood restarted when he starred as Tony Stark/Iron Man in 2008.
Since then, Downey Jr. appeared as the main character in other MCU movies and also had special appearances in some.
Little do we know, he is also a superhero even without the cameras rolling and his suit on.
Alex Pring was born with no right arm, and in 2015, when he was 7 years old, he was given a brand-new Iron Man-inspired prosthetic arm.
And who delivered it? It’s none other than the Iron Man himself Tony Stark.
Albert Manero constructed the bionic arm, which replicated Downey Jr.’s personal Iron Man equipment.
Downey had posted a video of their meeting on his Facebook page that Thursday, praising Alex as “the most dapper 7-year-old I’d ever met.”
The touching moment between Iron Man and “Iron Boy” racked up 12 million views!
In the video, while in character as billionaire inventor Tony Stark, the alter ego of Iron Man, Downey Jr. said:
“Half the time, I designed one of these, and it kept breaking on me. What I did was keep on working on it, just like you’re working on it with Albert.”
With a shy smile, brave Alex responded, “He kept working and working on it until he got it right.”
Downey expressed gratitude to Manero and Limbitless for their efforts in making artificial limbs more affordable for families with children aiming to display their strength on the playground.
Fast forward to today, and a now teenage Pring has embarked on his own heroic journey.
As per Catherine Silver from Click Orlando, Pring has taken up the position of linebacker at South Lake High School in Florida.
Undoubtedly, being an athlete with only one arm presents distinctive challenges. However, Pring conquers these hurdles with sheer determination.
He shared with Silver that he’s dedicating three times the effort of anyone else.
“I’ve had to overcome numerous things… Whether it’s in the weight room, perfecting tackling techniques, or mastering running. It’s akin to learning how to walk once more. It’s a significant endeavor… I’ve invested considerable effort. I believe I’m putting in three times the work compared to most people.”
“Iron boy” with an iron heart.
While it remains a considerable challenge for any football player, Pring has a precedent to emulate if he aspires to reach the sport’s highest echelons.
Alex Pring may only have one arm, but he plays football like an Ironman | Commentary https://t.co/NuVPS2BPff pic.twitter.com/qWD1SP2uQc
— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) July 3, 2023
Shaquem Griffin, a former Lakewood High School (Florida) and UCF linebacker, who possesses only one hand, defied the odds and was drafted into the NFL by the Seattle Seahawks in 2018.
He completed four seasons in the league before announcing his retirement last August.
Watch the video below to see the beautiful encounter between Iron Man and the “Iron Boy” Pring!
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