Zion Clark

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Zion Clark
Personal information
Birth nameZion Zachariah Daniels
NationalityAmerican
Born (1997-09-29) 29 September 1997 (age 26)
Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Alma materKent State University
Height3 ft 2 in (97 cm)[1]
Weight110 lb (50 kg)

Zion Zachariah Clark (born 29 September 1997) is an American wrestler, professional mixed martial artist, and wheelchair racer.[2][3][4] Clark was born without legs due to a rare disorder called Caudal regression syndrome.[5][6] He attended Kent State University at Tuscarawas, Ohio, where he was a member of the wrestling team.[7][8] Clark was named the "fastest man on two hands” by the Guinness Book of World Records.[1]

Personal life[edit]

Clark grew up in Ohio's foster care system and was adopted.[9] Clark is featured in the 2018 documentary Zion,[10][11] which was an official selection for the Sundance Film Festival and was later featured on Netflix.[12][13] The documentary won two Emmys at the 40th annual Sports Emmy Awards.[14] On May 23rd, 2023, he also featured on HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.[15] In 2023, he also made an appearance on America's Got Talent and showed off his athletic abilities to the judges. He advanced to next stage, receiving four yes and he was eliminated in the top 5 of the semifinals.[16][17]

Career[edit]

Wrestling[edit]

During his freshman and sophomore years at Massillon Washington High School, Clark had no wins in wrestling. However, he increased his training during his junior season, and in his senior season compiled a 33–15 record. He then attended Kent State University, where he competed in wrestling and wheelchair racing.[18]

Mixed martial arts career[edit]

Clark made his professional debut, for Gladiator Challenge: Seasons Beatings, on December 17, 2022, against Eugene Murray. He won the fight via a unanimous decision.[19][20]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Brooke Kato; Nadine DeNinno (29 September 2022). "Zion Clark, 'fastest man on two hands' Guinness record-holder, isn't slowing down". New York Post. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  2. ^ Michael F. McElroy (20 April 2016). "Rise above". ESPN. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  3. ^ Jasser Akle (6 August 2021). "Zion Clark, el atleta que nació sin piernas y sin excusas". cnnespanol.cnn.com (in Spanish). CNN. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  4. ^ Church, Ben (December 8, 2023). "Born without legs, Zion Clark is now a wrestler, MMA fighter and Olympic hopeful". CNN.
  5. ^ Keely Cat-Wells (4 February 2022). "Zion Clark The 24-Year-Old Guinness World Record Holder Impacts Millions". Forbes. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  6. ^ Rachel Hosie (7 November 2021). "The man who holds the world record for hand walking was born without legs. Here's how he trains for a powerful and strong upper body". Insider. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  7. ^ Jen Murphy (18 December 2022). "How Zion Clark, Fastest Man on Two Hands, Aims to Conquer MMA, Olympics and Paralympics". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  8. ^ Sara Butler (7 July 2021). "Zion Clark, a San Diego wrestler and track star, is going for the gold". PB Monthly. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  9. ^ Julian Kimble (6 January 2022). "No Athlete Has Ever Made the Paralympics and the Olympics. Zion Clark Could Change That". Men's Health. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  10. ^ Doug Fernandes (27 October 2021). "'I have absolutely no fear': Even without legs, Zion Clark walks the walk". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  11. ^ Eddie Strait (11 August 2018). "Netflix's 'Zion' is a powerful, emotional documentary". The Daily Dot. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  12. ^ Alex Tichenor (10 August 2018). "Netflix to show film on wrestler from Massillon". The Akron Beacon Journal. pp. B1, B8. Retrieved 20 December 2022 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  13. ^ Alex Tichenor (3 May 2019). "Massillon wrestler born without legs goes national on Ellen". The Independent. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  14. ^ "Bindery's Documentary Short, ZION, Wins Two Emmys". lbbonline.com. 23 May 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  15. ^ George M. Thomas (24 May 2023). "'Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel' on HBO recognizes unique story of Massillon's Zion Clark". The Repository. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  16. ^ Haidet, Ryan; DeNatale, Dave (September 12, 2023). "Zion Clark of Canton eliminated from 'America's Got Talent,' despite 'amazing' performance". WKYC.
  17. ^ "'AGT': Man Born with Condition That Left Him with No Legs Shares Inspiring Story of Resilience During Audition". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  18. ^ "No excuses: Kent State Tuscarawas wrestler Zion Clark overcoming obstacles". The Daily Jeffersonian. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  19. ^ Ryan Gaydos (18 December 2022). "Zion Clark, MMA fighter born without legs, wins first pro fight". Fox News. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  20. ^ Justin Barrasso (19 December 2022). "Zion Clark, Born Without Legs, Makes Impressive MMA Debut". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
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