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The Bodybuilder That Inspires Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

3,421 views · Published 14 September 2018 · 5:35 · Indexed 12 November 2026

Channel: CNBC Make It · 2018 · News & Politics

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Nick Santonastasso was born with no legs, one arm and one finger. But that didn't stop him from achieving his goals and dreams.

He's an entrepreneur, bodybuilder, model and Internet sensation. The 22-year-old is also an inspirational speaker who has taken the stage at the Tony Robbins Foundation's 19th annual Global Youth Leadership Summit and met the self-made millionaire himself. Today, he'll take the stage at the Pendulum Summit alongside thought leaders such as Deepak Chopra, Steve Forbes and Suzy Welch.

Such a career would be difficult to build for anyone but offers special challenges for Santonastasso. He was born with Hanhart syndrome, a rare condition that prevented his limbs from fully growing. He was born with one arm and no legs. This condition hasn't kept Santonastasso from living life to the fullest. He says he owes his success to this simple motto that helped him overcome failure and doubt: "It's not can't, it's how."

Nick Santonastasso doesn't know limits.

He's an entrepreneur, bodybuilder, model and Internet sensation. The 22-year-old is also an inspirational speaker who has taken the stage at the Tony Robbins Foundation's 19th annual Global Youth Leadership Summit and met the self-made millionaire himself. Today, he'll take the stage at the Pendulum Summit alongside thought leaders such as Deepak Chopra, Steve Forbes and Suzy Welch.

Such a career would be difficult to build for anyone but offers special challenges for Santonastasso. He was born with Hanhart syndrome, a rare condition that prevented his limbs from fully growing. He was born with one arm and no legs. This condition hasn't kept Santonastasso from living life to the fullest. He says he owes his success to this simple motto that helped him overcome failure and doubt: "It's not can't, it's how."

"Most people start with 'can't.' Instead, look at the situation, take a deep breath and say, 'Okay, how am I going to conquer this? How am I going to break through this barrier?" Santonastasso tells CNBC Make It.

Growing up, Santonastasso's parents wanted him to be as independent as possible. They would set either his clothes or food in front of him and tell him to "figure it out."

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This Bodybuilder Inspires The Rock. Here's Why. | CNBC Make It.

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