Zion Clark breaks boundaries and world records

Zion Clark was born without legs as a result of a rare condition known as Caudal regression syndrome but if greatness can be measured by heart, this athlete from Columbus, OH is a giant among men.

Proving that “possibilities are a matter of perspective,” Clark has, thanks to important works such as his “ Zion Unsurpassed ” Photo essay from the New York Times bestselling journalist James S. Hirsch and of course, he captured millions of hearts around the world with his Emmy-nominated short film “ Zion “ with his “No Excuses” attitude to life.

From humble beginnings as a troubled child growing up in foster care, to being ripped apart Clichés as a wrestler Breaking world records and chasing new dreams, this extraordinary gentleman took time out with M&F for an exclusive chat about his current aspirations to continue to push new boundaries, both within and outside of the sport.

You broke the record for walking 20 meters on your hands in 4.78 seconds at your old high school gym in Massillon, OH. What was your training like before this achievement in the Guinness Book of Records?

The training was definitely brutal. A lot of hard work, a lot extra time on the treadmill. Lots of time just to run. I did 4, 5, and 6 mile runs on my hands to prepare my body. When it came down to it, I felt so fast, it was like a rush of energy. I had the support of Olympian Butch Reynolds and my family, and pretty much my whole town came together to really make this happen, and that's why I went back home to do it. At the end of the day, ‘fastest man in the world on two hands,’ I was able to do it in a place that means a lot to me.”

If your recent social media posts are anything to go by, don't stop there! Do you have any other challenges in mind?

At the moment I'm working on the rebreak [this record]. Secondly, I will try to set the record for the fastest rope climb in the world.

What are some of the exercises you incorporate into a workout?

I'll do anything that's more focused on what sport I'm doing and what body part, but when it comes to pull-ups, I can do a lot of them (at least 20-30 per set). I do a lot of dips and I try to do a lot of reps of everything because when it comes to everything I do I need the strength but I also need the endurance that comes with strength. So when it comes to lifting, I'm not always going to go super heavy. Yes, I can lift a lot, but I could take half the weight and lift for reps, so I'm gradually building up the strength and endurance.

How important is your body weight when moving between your different sports while ensuring you are as fast as possible?

When it comes to my body, I feel like depending on what I'm doing, whether I'm wrestling or track and field or trying to break my Guinness record, they all have 3 different movements, so in track and field I push a [wheel] chair. For wrestling I use quite a bit every muscle in my body, and to break the record I use mostly my hands and arms. So when it comes to being on my hands, I try to save a little weight. As a wrestler it's pretty easy [to lose weight], you just sweat and of course lose your nerve. I won't look like I'm smaller, I would say. I feel like I'm slimmer because I'm losing the last bit of body fat, but just that little bit can push you forward in those few seconds.

Do you like to eat? Do you have a bit of an appetite?

Ah, I have a huge appetite. There's a lot of self-control that goes on (laughs). With everything I put into my body, I try to make sure everything is healthy and natural. I like shopping and cooking my own food. I like chicken, steak, but anything unprocessed.

Do gyms still have a way to go to be an inclusive space?

Man, that's something I always like to talk about because we need to change it. So when it comes to accessibility, you don't see a lot of physically challenged people in gyms, and the reason for that is because there aren't any machines that are really designed for us. If you look at society, there aren't many ramps, there aren't many accessible buildings for emergency situations. It has to change because accessibility is an important factor in [making] progress when it comes to moving forward in society.

In gyms, I don't think it's fair that there are people who can't even go to the gym who really want to just because the equipment isn't accessible, and the way you fix that is to go back to the drawing board, back to R&D, and really research what's going to help make this a reality. I've worked with some people and talked to some people because it's something that I really want to see a change in. It's just [a matter of] who's willing to get their hand in and really make this change with a global effort.

Fashion and clothing is another area where you work with brands to build awareness?

"My body is built so out of proportion. I can wear a big shirt but it's too long so it almost drags on the floor, but it fits on top. You can't just go to the store and buy a tailored shirt that isn't so long. But in the fashion industry [with things becoming] more accessible, I'm already seeing some changes. I think it's a really big step and I'm excited to be a part of it.

Indeed! And you will be with teaming Catwalk of dreams alongside more than 60 models with disabilities or differences to showcase some mainstream adaptable clothing. Are you excited to hit the stage on March 8th?

"I've done quite a few modeling gigs, but I haven't done a fashion show yet. So, we'll see how that goes! I'm definitely excited, it'll be a new experience. I have my personal designer working on something. It'll be a surprise. Absolutely amazing!

For anyone looking to overcome their own challenges and learn more about their journey, your book is a great tool to do so. How proud are you of Zion Unmatched?

If you want to be inspired by a picture exhibition with lots of inspiration inspirational quotes and my story, I would say check it out!