How can one overcome physical limitations and adversity to become influential? Objective Students will be able to explain how Theodore Roosevelt was able to overcome physical limitations and adversity to become one of the world’s most influential men of his time. Background Theodore Roosevelt is known as many things: A Rough Rider, hunter, conservationist, President, Politician. He was able to do great things in his life, but as a small child, (“Teedie” as he was referred to) things were much different. As Teedie recalls in his autobiography: “I was a sickly, delicate boy, suffered much from a Duration: 30 Minutes.