The story of Francesco Lentini is one of the most amazing in the history of people who managed to turn their idiosyncrasy into a path to success. He was born in 1889 in Sicily with a rare anomaly.: The boy had three legs, additional organs, and an “absorbed” twin. Poor parents who raised twelve children abandoned him, and Francesco ended up in an orphanage.
It was there that he realized that his difference was not a verdict. Lentini learned to run, skate, jump rope and even play football, deftly controlling the third leg. His energy, cheerfulness and tenacity amazed everyone who saw him for the first time.
Moving to the USA changed his fate. Circus performers noticed Francesco on the ship and offered him a contract. On the condition that the son get an education, the father agreed. In America, Lentini became a star of the largest circuses — Barnum and Bailey, Ringling Bros., the Buffalo Bill show. The audience adored him for his humor, kindness, and ability to turn his uniqueness into a vivid performance.
Francesco’s personal life was also a happy one. He was married twice, became the father of four healthy children and lived for 77 years, leaving behind the story of a man who managed to turn an innate trait into a source of respect, love and true success.
