Palm Desert senior Scout Bassett lives by the motto “The task ahead of you is never greater than the strength within you.” And if the 18-year old’s strength was measured by what she has endured, it would overpower her 4-foot-8, 78 pound frame.

Scout was orphaned at birth and has walked the journey of life on one leg after losing her right limb in a liquid fire when she was only a few months old. Adopted from China at the age of 7, the spunky and courageous girl was named “Scout” after her mother’s favorite literary character in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Like the book’s character, Scout Bassett has a fierce disposition toward anything that challenges her.

In fact she sees her situation as a physical challenge, not disability. Which is why she teamed up with Running Coach Alan Woodruff to compete in triathlons. Scout says the satisfaction of crossing the finish line is what keeps her going each day, and she hopes that her courage and strength will inspire others to conquer challenges in their lives.

In the race of life, Scout’s next stop is the campus of UCLA in the fall where the 4.0 student has received a full academic scholarship. She plans on studying political science or broadcast journalism.

To watch the video, click here.

By Kate Longworth
CBS2 Sports
Posted: June 20, 2007 09:02 PM