Alex Pring, the young man who received a 3D-printed “Iron Man” arm with help from actor Robert Downey Jr., is now attending the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he plans to study aerospace engineering.

Full Circle

Pring, who was born without part of his right arm, received a custom-designed, 3D-printed bionic prosthetic from the UCF-based nonprofit Limbitless Solutions over a decade ago. The moment became an international sensation when Downey, best known for portraying Iron Man, surprised Pring by delivering the device himself.

For Pring, however, the prosthetic represented far more than a memorable meeting with a Hollywood star. “This has been a true part of me, and it has made me grow into the human being today — the man I am today,” Pring said.

Pring recently set two national records at The Hartford Nationals, one of the nation’s longest-running track and field championships for athletes with disabilities. His next milestone brings him back to the place where his journey first began.

As a UCF student, Pring will study just steps away from the Limbitless Solutions lab that developed his bionic arm. “It really is full circle,” he said. Limbitless Solutions Director Albert Manero said the team has been honored to watch Pring grow over the years.

Pring’s ambitions extend beyond the classroom. “I’m very, very excited to hopefully go to the Paralympics one day,” Pring said. For the little boy who once looked up to superheroes, the next chapter is about pursuing dreams of his own.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.