Boy with ‘Iron Man’ arm to future engineer: Alex Pring returns to UCF, chasing new dreams
By Kennedy Mason
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ORANGE COUNTY, Florida (WESH) — More than a decade after capturing national attention as the young boy who received a 3D-printed ‘Iron Man’ arm with help from actor Robert Downey Jr., Alex Pring is celebrating a new chapter.
This January, Pring will attend the University of Central Florida, where he plans to study aerospace engineering — returning to the same campus where Limbitless Solutions helped change his life as a child.
Born without part of his right arm, Pring received a custom-designed, 3D-printed bionic prosthetic from the UCF-based nonprofit. 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.
Now, Pring is earning recognition for achievements beyond his childhood story.
e recently set two national records at The Hartford Nationals, one of the nation’s longest-running track and field championships for athletes with disabilities.
“It was an amazing experience being able to go compete with people with all sorts of disabilities and just have a better chance,” Pring said.
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.
For Limbitless Solutions Director Albert Manero, Pring’s return reflects the organization’s mission of creating opportunities that extend well beyond prosthetic technology.
“We’re so excited that he’s going to be here at UCF,” Manero said.
He said the team has been honored to watch Pring grow over the years.
“I think we’re honored to have watched him grow into the young man that he is today, and we’ve been cheering him on every step of the way,” Manero said.
Pring said the Limbitless team also inspired his decision to pursue aerospace engineering, a field he hopes will allow him to combine his passion for innovation with his personal experiences.
His 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.
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