A Wrestler Born Without Legs Aspire To Compete in the Olympic Games
Nobody should question why you are striving to achieve your dreams. Sometimes, no matter how impossible it can be, if you put your heart and mind to it, anything can be possible. That’s exactly what this wrestler was hoping for.
You see, Zion Clark was born without legs but he is not letting it stop him from pursuing his passion. He hails from Columbus, Ohio, USA. Zion Clark is not only a celebrated wrestler. The 23-year-old is also an actor, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and author by profession.
You see, Clark was born with Caudal Regression Syndrome. This is a rare condition where the lower end of the spine develops abnormally. It also affects the lower part of the body and also the organs. According to a recent study, one to two babies in every 100,000 are born with Caudal Regression Syndrome, according to current estimates. One in 350 newborns delivered to diabetic mothers is affected by this illness. According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, just about 1,500 persons around the world have this condition.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Clark shared the difficulties he faced growing up with this condition. He said, “You know, being the one kid in the school system that doesn’t have legs, it made me stick out like a sore thumb. I was kind of looked at like a freak.”
His condition though did not stop him from doing what seemed to be impossible…
At the young age of six, he began participating in athletics and wrestling, which led him to pursue a career in the sport later on in his adult life. The wrestler went on to explain that he was no longer considered a “complete crap” because of his appearance due to wrestling.
Clark even holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest 20m walking on hands!
His coach Butch Reynolds, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was instrumental in Zion Clark’s success back in February at his high school gym in Massillon, Ohio. When he tried out his skills in the gym of his high school in 2021, he broke the Guinness World Record in under 4.78 seconds. Talking about this accomplishment, Clark shared, “Before I knew it, I had crossed the finish line! A rush of euphoria surged through my body as the official timer called out 4.78 seconds.”
Clark has big dreams and goals ahead of him. He shared, “I’m working every day to qualify for wrestling in the Olympic games and track and field in the Paralympic games. Everybody has the ability to turn their weaknesses into strengths and that strength into something special.”
Clark also shared some words of wisdom saying, “Every single one of us is different. Don’t ever be self-conscious about your appearance.” About his motivation for the future, Clark said, “I’m going to control what I can control, and aside from that, just keep moving forward.”
In fact, he even has a tattoo of the words ‘no excuses’ across his back. And that’s exactly what he has proven all his life. He shows the world that no matter what the situation is, if you persevere and try to be the better version of yourself, you will succeed.
