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Teen's Participation In Cross Country Meet Marks Remarkable Recovery

THORNTON, Colo. (CBS4) - The participation in a school cross country race by a teen injured in a crash marked a giant milestone in the brave girl's recovery.

Alyssa Sanchez was seriously injured when a suspected drunk driver crashed into her car over the summer. Doctors told Sanchez it might be a year before she would be able to walk again.

The news was a crushing blow for the member of the Thornton High School cross country team.

Alyssa Sanchez
Alyssa Sanchez (credit: CBS)

"I had a broken femur, I broke my jaw, and then I had a compound fracture in my arm, and I shattered my elbow," Sanchez told CBS4.

Since the collision, which took place in late July, Sanchez has exceeded expectations in her recovery and has done the once unthinkable. She can now climb stairs without assistance. And she's walking.

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(credit: CBS)

So, instead of watching from the sidelines in a wheelchair while her Thornton High School cross country team competed in a meet, she donned her uniform and locked arms with teammates.

Together, they walked the last half-mile of the race.

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(credit: CBS)

By the time Sanchez crossed the finish line, her supportive father had joined in the line and the group was greeted with cheers.

"It's her drive and her motivation to overcome everything people say she can't do (that amazes me)," he said. "I'm proud of her."

Sanchez's father says getting to be by her side means more than most can imagine.

"It's something you can't buy," he said. "I'm the world's proudest dad, forever."

With the finish line behind her, Sanchez is now focusing on school and hopes to graduate on time.

"Knowing that I wasn't able to be with them this whole season was hard, but now that I'm here and able to do it, it's a true blessing," she said.

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(credit: CBS)

Like any teenage girl, Sanchez said she's now looking forward to prom and getting back behind the wheel.

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