There aren’t many people who can handle being a wrestler, an athlete and a student together. What if we told you we know of someone who doesn’t even have legs but does all of these things. Zion Clark! That’s the name of the Afro-American wrestler who is getting all the awards and breaking records left, right and centre. Zion Clark’s story is one that commands attention, not just because he has no legs which is a wildly interesting factor, but his zeal and commitment not to make his disability render him useless is worth reading.
Quick Facts About Zion Clark
In this article, we are going to look at the life of the wrestler and what his growing up was like. Also, we will examine if he is in any relationship. One thing for sure is, Zion Clark’s story is one that gives inspiration.
So, why is there so much fuss about Zion Clark? Let’s look at 10 facts you probably didn’t know about the supremely talented wrestler.
#1. His Nickname is “No Excuses.”
Born without legs, one would expect that Clark takes his anger out on people who have legs and perhaps sulk about his predicament. Not Zion! In fact, he did the opposite and decided to make the best of life for himself. With that determination and zeal to become someone to reckon with, Zion tattooed “No Excuses” on his body. This is to serve as a constant reminder that despite his disability, he still has enough in him to make it big in life. Today, fans around the world have resorted to calling him “no excuses.” And to be fair, Zion Clark has relegated excuses and his success today is because of his hard work and sheer desire to make something out of life.
#2. Zion Clark Became Passionate About Wrestling at Age 2.
At barely age 2, after seeing a series of wrestling videos, Zion became very interested in wrestling. He dreamed of becoming a wrestler one day. Even though he had a disability, he still wanted to be a wrestler. With grit and determination, today, Zion is an award-winning wrestler.
#3. Clark Suffers From a Rare Condition
There are only a few people who suffer from the medical condition of Zion Clark. The American suffers from a condition known as caudal regression syndrome. This condition made him birthed without legs.
#4. Zion Was Given Up For Adoption
It must have been challenging for Clark’s parents to have a child who had no legs at birth. The parents would later give up the child for adoption. Zion was taken up for adoption by Kimberlli Hawkins in 2015. Before then, Zion was moved from one foster home to the other. Kimberlli had an instant connection with Zion and they formed a bond that became impenetrable.
#5. He is a Guinness World Record Holder
Zion’s story is one that echoes that even without major parts of the body, you can still smash your dreams. On September 22, 2021, Zion Clark officially became the Guinness World Record Holder after he smashed the world record for the fastest 20m sprint with hands. He completed this feat in 4.78 seconds.
Zion has a dream to become the first American athlete to compete for the Paralympic(wheelchair racing) and Olympic games (wrestling).
#6. Zion Clark is Coached by An Olympic Gold Medallist
Seeing his massive potentials, Butch Reynolds, who is a Guinness World Record Holder and an Olympic gold medalist, took Zion under his wings to mentor him to become what he is today. Reynolds prepared him mentally and physically before he embarked on breaking the record he broke.
#7. He Moved From One Foster House to The Other For 18 Years
After being rejected by his parents from birth, Zion was moved through various foster homes. For almost 19 years, Zion was transferred from one foster home to the other till Kimberlli Hawkins decided to adopt him. Hawkins has treated him like her son and they share a very close bond.
#8. Zion’s Biological Parents Are Unknown
To date, there is no news of who Zion’s parents are. After giving birth to him in 1998, there has not been any trace of who his biological parents are.
#9. Zion is Also A Wheelchair Athlete.
Is there anything this young man cannot do? Despite his predicament, Zion Clark is a good wheelchair athlete. In 2016, he won races in 100 and 400-metre categories.
#10. There is a Documentary About Zion on Netflix
There is a documentary that discusses the challenges and success of Zion Clark released on Netflix in 2018.
Does Zion Clark Have A Girlfriend?
Countless reports say Zion is in a romantic relationship with a lady. Although the name of the woman is not known, it is believed that her Instagram handle is @bodacious_teitei. The reported woman is a fashion designer. The star wrestler posted the picture of himself and his girlfriend on her 24th birthday.
Conclusion
Despite having caudal regression syndrome, Zion is positive about his future and is hitting those goals slowly. It is a story that inspires us.
