How I Became An Amputee
On November 10, 2014 I was on my way to work riding my motorcycle as usual. A few blocks from my house, a driver ran a red light and broadsided me.
The accident left me with a broken neck and ultimatly the loss of my lower left leg. Lying in the hospital I started watching YouTube videos to keep myself entertained. (There is only so much reality TV that one man can take).
During my video searches I stumbled on a video of North America's Strongest Disabled Man. I was blown away watching these guys achieve these feats of strength. This was when I knew what I wanted to do.
Transitioning from Adaptive Sports to Mainstream Sports As An Amputee
My first day back at the gym was devistating. I couldn't benchpress an empty bar, and curling a 5 pound dumbell with my left hand just wasn't happening. The nerve damage in my spine had effected me a lot more than anyone had realized.
I refused to let this stop me. I started with an online program from bodybuilding.com and followed that to a T. At the end of the 12 weeks, I felt myself getting stronger.
In June of 2015 I decided to hire a personal trainer. I found a trainer who not only had competed in the sport I was looking to compete in, but he refused to underestimate me despite the fact I was still on crutches.
Fast forward to April of 2016. I competed in my first strongman competion, North Americas Strongest Adaptive Athlete in Columbus, Ohio. I came in 4th place.
I have been competing in strongman competions ever since. I am currently training for my first powerlifting competition, and I am making the transition from adaptive sports to mainstream sports this coming year of 2018.
Feel free to contact me on instagram if you have any questions. My user name on Instagram is @dead_leg_dan.
