Zion Clark was born without legs because of a rare condition called caudal regression syndrome.
He grew up in Ohio’s foster care system, and at 16, he was adopted by Kimberli Hawkins, his foster mother. He was bullied at school and discovered wrestling in elementary school. He went years without winning a single match: according to Parade, he lost about 200 before he started winning, and his mom wouldn’t let him quit.
In his senior year of high school, he finished the season with a 33-15 record and came close to reaching the state championship. He later competed for Kent State, won his mixed martial arts debut, and now dreams of competing in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
On February 15, 2021, in the gym at his former school in Massillon, he walked 20 meters on his hands in 4,78 seconds. Guinness recognizes him with three records, and his motto remains the same: “No excuses”.