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From the moment he was born, an extraordinary athlete has relentlessly defied the odds and created a legacy to be proud of.
Zion Clark, 22, from Ohio, USA, is on the cusp of achieving something extraordinary: competing in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Clark was born without legs due to caudal regression syndrome, a rare and serious disorder that affects the development of the lower spine.
And his difficult start to life continued when he was given up for adoption after birth, before being placed in the foster care system, where he was cruelly bullied by his peers.
Despite these hardships, Clark has become a standout fighter in MMA and professional wrestling, holds three Guinness World Record titles, and has even earned a seal of approval from Conor McGregor himself.
As he prepares to represent the United States in Paralympic Athletics, FEMAIL looks back at Zion Clark’s remarkable journey in the world of sport.
Zion Clark, 22, from Ohio, USA, is on the cusp of achieving something extraordinary: competing in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
A challenging start
Zion Clark is a 22-year-old professional wrestler, MMA fighter, and Guinness World Record holder who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
Clark’s journey began with significant challenges, as he was born in September 1997 with a rare birth defect called caudal regression syndrome that left him without legs.
Abandoned at birth and placed in the foster care system, he was subjected to constant harassment and frequent moves between homes.
Labeled a “problem child,” he was soon abandoned by the foster system, but his foster mother, Kimberlii, eventually adopted him at the age of 16 and has remained by his side ever since.
Amidst the turmoil of living in abusive situations, she found solace and strength in two unexpected outlets: wrestling and music.
At the age of seven, Clark began wrestling. At first he did not do very well; in fact, he did not win a match for several years.
She told MailOnline: “I adapted my wrestling through a lot of trial and error. I spent years trying to figure out what would work.”
“People made fun of me because I had no legs. The best way to deal with haters is to use hate to lift yourself up.”
“Now I train twice a day, about six days a week. It’s an effort, a lifestyle. Being born without legs hasn’t stopped me from doing the things I want to do.”
The adversities Clark endured early on only fueled his enthusiasm. By the time he reached his senior year at Massillon High School in Ohio, Clark had compiled an impressive record of 33 wins and 15 losses, a turning point that would set the stage for his future endeavors.
The foster system abandoned him early, but Clark’s foster mother, Kimberlii (left), eventually adopted him at the age of 16 and has remained by his side ever since.
Rising through the ranks
Clark’s wrestling career continued to flourish while attending Kent State University, where he also excelled in wheelchair racing, securing his second high school state championship title.
But it wasn’t just in wrestling where Clark would leave his mark.
In December 2022, he made his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut at Gladiator Challenge: Seasons Beatings, fighting Eugene Murray and winning by unanimous decision.
The win caught the attention of UFC legend Conor McGregor, who praised Clark’s technical skills and expressed deep respect for his career.
Three days after Clark’s performance, McGregor wrote in unknown:”Absolutely fascinating to hear about this man’s debut and now to see it. Lightning-fast entry into the bass single. Wow!”
‘You shouldn’t connect with him in any way. Just frames. Punching frames. Fascinating! Congratulations and much respect to that man, Zion Clark! MMA is the best sport!’
In response, Clark wrote, “I appreciate the love and respect. This is just the beginning for me. I’m excited to see how far I can take my wrestling game! I proved the doubters wrong by wrestling and became an All American and D1 wrestler. All respect.”
Clark’s wrestling career continued to flourish while attending Kent State University, where he also excelled in wheelchair racing, securing his second high school state championship title.
In 2022, Clark made his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut at Gladiator Challenge: Seasons Beatings, fighting Eugene Murray and winning via unanimous decision.
The win caught the attention of UFC legend Conor McGregor, who praised Clark’s technical skills and expressed deep respect for his career.
Clark’s response to McGregor’s praise
Record-breaking athlete
Clark’s sporting achievements extend beyond wrestling and MMA. He is a three-time Guinness World Record holder and recognized as the fastest man with two hands.
His record-breaking feats include walking 20 meters on his hands in just 4.78 seconds, performing a 0.83-meter box jump on his hands, and completing 248 diamond push-ups in three minutes.
Each achievement highlights Clark’s incredible upper body strength and drive.
Reflecting on his diamond push-up record Guinness World RecordsClark noted: “It was definitely a mind game.
‘When you do these push-ups, you get to 100, 150, 200, and that’s when the real pain kicks in. One of two things is going to happen: you’re going to give up and stop, or you’re going to keep pushing until you achieve that goal.’
In addition to his record-breaking feats, Clark has explored other athletic pursuits, including weightlifting, boxing, wheelchair bodybuilding, and even circus arts.
In 2023, he showcased his talents on “America’s Got Talent,” where he advanced to the semi-finals before being eliminated in the top five. Nonetheless, Clark left a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience.
Clark’s sporting achievements extend beyond wrestling and MMA. He is a three-time Guinness World Record holder and recognized as the fastest man with two hands.
Clark’s record-breaking feats include walking 20 meters on his hands in just 4.78 seconds, performing a 0.83-meter box jump on his hands and completing 248 diamond push-ups in three minutes.
In addition to his record-breaking feats, Clark has explored other athletic pursuits, including weightlifting, boxing, wheelchair bodybuilding, and even circus arts.
Aiming for the Paralympic Games
Clark’s most ambitious goal so far is to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, where she will represent the United States in track and field.
Having previously trained under the guidance of his manager Craig Levinson and alongside Olympic and world champion Jordan Burroughs, Clark is determined to make history.
According to their website, en:zionclark.comHis dream while Tokyo was hosting the 2020 Olympics was to become the first American athlete to compete in both Olympic wrestling and Paralympic wheelchair racing.
As he prepares to compete in Paris, the world will be watching, eager to see how this extraordinary athlete continues to defy the odds and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Clark’s most ambitious goal so far is to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, where she will represent the United States in track and field.