He previously competed in non-Para athletics and gained an athletics scholarship to study at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA, United States of America. Twelve weeks after he acquired his impairment in 2010, he bought a running blade online and took up Para athletics.

Family and Influences

His father Jeff has coached the tennis team at the University of Georgia. His mother Sabina competed in athletics for the University of Georgia and was named in the All-Southeastern Conference [SEC] team. His father Jeff and coach Josh Rucci have been significant influences on his career.

Sporting Achievements

At age 12, he competed at the wakeboarding national championships for his youth age group, finishing eighth. He was an 800m and 1600m high school athletics state champion. After acquiring his impairment, he looked at world record lists for Para athletics and told his parents that he wanted his name on those lists.

Awards and Recognition

He was named in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2020 by the University of Georgia Alumni Association for his athletic performance and work as a project director with Xiborg. In 2013, he was named USA Track and Field [USATF] Male Para Athlete of the Year. He was also part of the 4x100m relay team that was named 2013 United States Olympic Committee [USOC] Paralympic Team of the Year.

Training and Philosophy

He trains at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA, United States of America. His training philosophy is: "Never settle. Always push. Diligently study. Perpetually learn. Execute accordingly."

Other Activities

He was an executive producer on a documentary titled 'Race to Tokyo', which followed his preparations and those of Japanese Para sprinter Keita Sato for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. He has also worked as a motivational speaker and as a project director for Xiborg, a Japanese prosthetic blade company.

Ninja Warrior Appearance

In 2019, he featured on the US television show 'American Ninja Warrior', where participants race to complete obstacle courses. "One of the producers reached out to me when they had decided they were going to be filming in Atlanta and asked if I would be interested in competing on the show."

Future Plans

He is taking skills learned over the past decade to develop affordable prosthetic technology through his own company, Rivl. "I'm taking the skills that I've learned over the past 10 years in the industry and developing affordable prosthetic technology, specifically running blades."

This athlete's journey from high school champion to Paralympic medalist showcases determination and adaptability. His switch to long jump marks a new chapter in an already illustrious career.