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In high
school I won an Illinois State Championship in the 300-meter hurdles.
Next, I received a scholarship to track and field powerhouse University of
Arkansas, where I became a three-time All-American in track. In 1988 I
didn't participate in the Olympic trials because I was intent on finishing
my degree, and I couldn't train adequately for the event. After being out
of school a few years, I decided I wanted to try out for the 1992 Olympic
team. The United States Army has a World Class Athlete program, which
allows soldier-athletes two years of preparation and training for the next
Olympic Games.
Everything
was going well … until Operation Desert Storm. Suddenly, I was on my way
to Saudi Arabia. It was an amazing experience -- I was able to share my
faith in Christ with some guys, and we had a prayer group that grew and
grew. When I
made it back to the States, I had just 10 months to train for the 1992
Olympic Games. I ended up finishing 17th in the 400-meter trials. There
would be no Olympics for me that year.
In October
1993, I was recommended to go to Officers Candidate School. Then in May of
1994 I was back training at the All-Army track and field camp to try to
get back into the World Class Athlete Program -- this time as an officer.
During
practice, I went across a hurdle, and when I landed, I dislocated my knee.
It rotated about 30 degrees inward and popped out of the joint backwards.
I had been leading a Bible study at the track, and immediately what came
out of my mouth were simple praises to God. I was living out the faith I
had been telling others about during this traumatic experience.
Then my
life took a surprising turn. The injury had severed the popliteal artery
in my leg, and the doctors were unable to make an artery that would work.
After a few days my leg became infected, and we made a decision to
amputate my leg just above the knee.
I sensed
God was telling me, during this time, "I haven't brought you this far
just to leave you. I've planned out everything. You can use this to bring
glory to Me."
A short
time later, I started swimming for physical therapy. A local lifeguard saw
my stroke, and she started helping me refine it and work on flip turns. I
took her advice, and I began working diligently on my swimming.
Ironically, that leg injury and amputation led to the fulfillment of my
dream. I finally made it to the Olympics -- competing in the Paralympic
Games in swimming.
Later, a
company called Flex Foot, which is a lower extremity for amputees, donated
a foot for me to run on. Another prosthetics company built me a socket,
and I was able to run again.
In 1998, I
went to the World Championships, and after three meets I made the World
Championship Team, placing sixth in the long jump (4.59 meters).
For the
2000 Paralympic Games, I hope to make the finals in the 200- and 100-meter
dash. I also have my sights set on being in medal contention for the long
jump.
I know
I've inspired people with my story. But I have been inspired, as well. At
the 1996 Games I saw an athlete from Laos. He had no arms, and he was
swimming -- doing the 200 meters. He dove in the water and kicked all the
way down the pool.
To turn,
you have to touch the wall before you turn, which swimmers do with their
hands. This swimmer hit the wall with his head, turned over and then did
the backstroke kick all the way back, hit the wall with his head, and did
the breaststroke kick, hit his head again, and came in with a freestyle
kick, hit his head on the wall to stop the clock and win the event. It was
amazing.
Even more
amazing is God's love for me and you. I have learned that if you put
Christ first, He will guide you in what He wants you to do.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your
paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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