Zion Clark

Zion Zachariah Clark (born September 29, 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]

Zion Clark

Personal information
Birth name	Zion Zachariah Daniels
Born	(1997-09-29) September 29, 1997 (age 27) Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Alma mater	Kent State University
Height	3 ft 2 in (97 cm)[1]
Weight	110 lb (50 kg)

Personal life

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 23, 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 yeses and he was eliminated in the top 5 of the semifinals.^[16][17]

Career

Wrestling

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

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

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