Vitalis, was twelve years of age when his life was interruptd. As a young boy, he was a successful football player and made the his school's first team as a goalkeeper. On October 13, 1989, young Vitalis stepped out with a dream, to train and become the next high jump champion at the upcoming inter-house sports competition. As he moves the equipments out of the store to the field, he was full of zeal and determination. But unfortunatly, this dream would be short-lived. The high jump cross bar he was carrying touched the high voltage wire that hung very low, as is common in Nigeria, which in turn, melted his lower extremities together, rendering them useless. In unspeakable anguish the twelve year old exclaimed, " Help me JESUS!" For five years, he had to rely on his parents, friends and family members for his daily up keep. The bathed, dressed, and fed him. Mr. Lanshima stopped going to school, stopped doing much of anything. Like many disabled Nigerians, he was left to seek for alms and rely on charity for his livelihood.

In 1994 Vitalis made a comeback into the academic and sporting scene, breaking every barrier of stereotype and prejudice that is labeled on the handicap in Africa. In a continent where individuals who are handicapped are relegated to the background, not cared for, provided for and needless to mention deprived of education and life essentials. Life was tough for Vitalis. Despite his disability, he had to provide for his needs and that of his family. Through thick and thin, Vitalis Lanshima rehabilitated himself, learning how to feed, dress, wear shoes and socks, brush, etc., all by himself without help from anyone. He learned how to finally write holding the pen with his stumps. During his first three years in high school, Vitalis vowed not to place second to anyone. His determination made sure he passed all his class exams in first place ahead of everyone else, finishing every test and exams ahead of most his classmates. His performance and zeal earned him accolades and admiration of his mates along with a position most of his mates only dreamt of, a student tutor.

Education is not the only field Vitalis excelled in. In 1996, he won his first Gold medal in 800 meters at the National Sports Festival in Makurdi, Nigeria. Although Vitalis missed out of the Paralympic Games in Atlanta, he kept his head up, training harder than ever before. The next four years, although challenging, brought out the best in Vitalis. He made various changes and moves in his life. He changed coaches and events, shifting from 1500 meters to 100 meters. By 1998, Vitalis became the national champion in 400, 800, and 1500 meters. Vitalis Lanshima's athletic career blossomed; his move from middle distance to sprints, gave him the opportunity to represent Nigeria at international competitions because Nigeria does not encourage middle and long distances. By 1999, he became the best 200 meters amputee athlete in Nigeria and won his first international medal at the All African Games in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 2000, Vitalis won three Gold medals at the Afro-Asian Games in Tunis, Tunisia where he also qualified for the Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia. At the Sydney games, Vitalis set two World Records in the 200 and 400 meters when he braced the tape in 22.82 seconds and 52.78 seconds in 200 and 400 meters respectively, becoming the first Double Amputee athlete to break the 24 seconds and 54 seconds marks.

Ever since Sydney, Vitalis remained unstoppable. He moved to England to begin his life long dream. While in England he created a new perspective towards disability, he won virtually every event he entered. In 2002, Vitalis was recruited by Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky to become the first disabled athlete to be recruited by an NCAA accredited institution to represent them in sporting events. In 2006, he shattered the 100 meters World Record, upgrading it to 11:05 seconds. He also lowered his 200 meters record to 22:52 seconds in 2005. The greatest moment in Vitalis Lanshima's life came in 2004 when he was nominated for the 2004 Laureus World Sports Award's Sports Person with a Disability category. That made him one of the few elite African athletes and the only Nigerian to ever be norminated for this Oscar-like award which brings together the best athletes, actors, artists, singers, songwriters and celebrities.