"First Fastest Runner" -a film about Tommy Des Brisay, a runner with Autism

Jordan Kawai is a longtime friend of Tommy's brother Paul, and our family. Jordan, along with fellow students Dave Jones and Rachel Croft, created this mini doc about Tommy and his running.

Tommy is an athlete with Autism who lives in Ottawa, Canada. Tommy was always a "runner" (a term used for kids with Autism who often run off or wander), and has had an Autism Service Dog, whose role is to help keep him safe, since the age of 7. In 2006 he began running (in the correct direction!) daily with his Dad and Matrix (his dog). Soon, Matrix and his Dad could no longer keep up! His Dad now rides a bike beside him to keep him safe during runs.

Tommy races in road races, high school cross country and track races, and trains with the Ottawa Lions. He also cross-country skis, and has competed at the Ontario high school championships. Recently, Tommy began paddling with "Paddle All" at the Rideau Canoe Club. He is just one of a number of athletes in Ottawa who have overcome many different challenges to achieve remarkable things through athletics.

Tommy did not begin to talk until the age of 7, and it was primarily through learning to read that he began to learn language. While running, Tommy often chants "I think I can...", recites lines from Disney movies, or sings. He crosses each finish line with great personal pride. Empowered by athletics, he is conquering enormous communication challenges and other aspects of Autism. Tommy inspires many through his determination, enthusiasm for life, and the huge smile always on his face while competing! The Ottawa athletic community has warmly embraced Tommy's uniqueness.

Tommy's mantra is "I'm going to be the first fastest runner in the world!", which inspired the title of this mini documentary. Thank you, Jordan and Dave, for capturing the joy that is Tommy's running and sharing it with others.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Tommy
• Des
• Brisay
• Autism
• Runner

[TheJasonholman]

Hi, I just met Tommy the other day at Disney World on the ferry. I enjoyed our conversation and hope you keep running until your shoes come apart. Then get a new pair and repeat. Keep strong and long distance. Way to represent....

[urnotalone38]

@TheJasonholman i envy you i'd love to introduce my 7 year old nephew to Tommy, teach Kyle what is "safe" run and what is unsafe which is what he is doing :( so scary, he's so fast maybe we can find indoor track... tommy is awesome! way to go, keep up all of that hard work Tommy, you insp

ired me to help kyle, thank yu...hugs tracey

[nicaraguan23]

Did Tommy ever have trouble with tantrums or socializing. Did the exercise alter him in any way. I know cardio exercises are supposed to increase blood flow to the brain and can improve mood by increasing seratonin levels. Would he say the running had a positive affect on these factors? Thank you PS great short movie by the way.

[NCKutin]

Fabulous video! Thanks for sharing Tommy's story. Keep running strong, Tommy!

[cbluesea]

Awesome video -- you guys did a great job. Hope you'll be telling more Tommy Stories soon!

[ellefranchap]

this is an amazing video! great way to show people who tommy really is.

[thautcast]

Great video! Featured on my website thautcast.

Keep running, Tommy! Keep filming, Jordan, etc.!