Zion Clark/Photo courtesy of Guiness World Records
Zion Clark, an author and Paralympic hopeful, has achieved the Guinness world record for the fastest 20-meter hand walking in history.
On February 15, Zion returned to his former high school in Massillon, Ohio and added “world record holder” to his list of accomplishments.
He walked 20 meters on his hands and smashed the previous record by completing the walk in 4.78 seconds.
“Before I knew it, I had crossed the finish line! A rush of euphoria surged through my body as the official timer called out 4.78 seconds!” Zion said.
Zion’s story is one of perseverance. He was born with Caudal Regression Syndrome.
Caudal Regression Syndrome is a very rare disorder where the lower end of the spine does not develop. The condition can cause myriad problems from clubfeet to malfunctions with major organ systems and failure of the lower half of the body to properly develop.
“It made my life harder from the get-go because I had to go through two different surgeries for my back, just so I could sit up straight,” Zion explained.
After his birth, he was put up for adoption and went through the foster care system for 16 years. Days before aging out of the system, he was adopted by Kimberli Hawkins.
However, he has been able to surmount the difficulties of his young childhood and proper in more ways than one.
Zion has made the most of his body. He became interested in wrestling, and by the time he reached senior year, he was one of the best in the state. Then, he got into track, and the rest was history.
The entrepreneur, motivational speaker, actor, author and record-breaker shared an important message to children with physical challenges.
“It’s going to be hard, but if you’ve got the heart and the determination, you can go get what’s yours.”