Qualifying for the Olympic/Paralympic Games

Antonio is a 30 year old all around athlete. At a young age he was always told how big he was. At 6feet 6inches and 300+lbs. He begin his athletics in basketball in high school and then football. Football is what took him all the way to college and then to play arena football. After signing his football contract and attending his first press conference tragedy struck him and his family.

In 2012 Antonio became disabled from a gunshot to the back while working security trying to break up a fight. It left him paralyzed from waist down instantly ruining his chances of a football career. Antonio didn’t let that stop him. He never became depressed. He never became angry. He took this as a lesson to see what his purpose is in life. Not letting his current circumstances stop him from pursuing a dream of being a athlete he took up powerlifting when he noticed he still had the strength as if he was still walking.

So in 2017 he started to workout. He finally after years of being wheelchair bound found his purpose. Antonio is qualifying to become an Paralympian in Tokyo 2020. Antonio is now the new American Record Holder for para powerlifting. He is currently placed #6 in the world and placed #4 in the Worlds Championship in Kazakhstan this past July. Even with those accomplishments he has three more qualifying competitions to attend in September(Tokyo test event),January(St. Louis) and April(Dubai) to get the official invite from the Olympic/Paralympic committee for the 2020 games. These three competitions are all pathways to Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic games.

Here’s how you can help!!

In 2018 Antonio developed a pressure sore on his leg that became infected almost down to the bone. The infection was so bad he needed surgery. So on August 3 in 2018 he had his first surgery. A few days later he had to get another surgery to completely remove all of the infection. Although he was still qualifying for team USA para powerlifting he was on a leave from training for a few months to heal and get his strength back. Antonio has a wound from the surgery on his leg that needs proper care daily. The team usually has a doctor or medical professional traveling with the team but the next two competitions there will not be anyone available. We are trying to get help so we can send someone who knows about his situation to help with his wound care or to get a medical professional that knows wound care to travel with him so he can stay HEALTHY while pursuing his current dream. Anything will help!! On behalf of Antonio and his family, we thank you for your help and generosity.

Team Martin