By LORAN POSEY News Editor
Maynard began his wresting career with 35 straight losses but remained determined as he completed his senior year of high school with a 35-16 record and placed 12th at the 2004 National High School Wrestling Championships.
As high school students, we take many things for granted in life. Whether it be the freedom that we enjoy living in America or the free education we receive at school, sometimes we do not think about how fortunate we are.
But how often do you take a moment and look down at your forearms, hands, calves and feet to appreciate the mere fact that they are even there?
That is something that Kyle Maynard has never been able to do.
Maynard was born on March 24, 1986 in Suwanee, Ga. with a condition known as congenital amputation. His arms end just above the elbow and his legs end just above the knee.
Despite his condition, Maynard has never viewed himself as disabled. He has made an incredible effort to pursue what he calls “a life of normalcy.”
He has faced adversity his entire life because of his condition, but has never accepted defeat. Early on, Maynard’s parents instilled the values of indepen- dence and determination in him.
As a toddler, Maynard had to learn how to do everyday things without the help of others, from eating with silverware to climbing up the stairs, all without fully developed arms and legs.
As a child, he was determined to fulfill his dreams of becoming an athlete. He began that journey playing little league football, but soon discovered that his true passion was wrestling.
Maynard wrestled throughout high school for one of the best teams in the southeastern U.S., Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Ga. He finished his se- nior year with 36 victories, many of those against eventual state place finishers and state champions, and only 15 losses. He even placed 12th in the 103-pound weight class at the 2004 National High School Wrestling Championships.
All these achievements were against high school wrestlers who had all four of their limbs.
After graduating from high school and beginning classes at the University of Georgia, Maynard made his Mixed Martial Arts debut in 2009, losing a close 30-27 match to Bryan Fry, an able-bodied MMA wrestler.
He was forced to put his undergraduate studies on hold because of the high demands of his emerging motivational speaking career. He has travelled to five continents to share his story and spread his belief that no obstacle is too great to overcome.
In his most recent conquest, Maynard became the first quadruple amputee ever to climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, without assistance.
When he made it to the 19,340-foot high peak, Maynard proved that he would find no excuse to prevent him from reaching his goals.
Now 26, Maynard has truly exemplified what it means to fight adversity. Not only has he overcome obstacles thrown his way, he has embraced those experi- ences and continues to test himself with new challenges.
Maynard has never had the opportunity to take anything for granted. He has committed himself to making the best of his situation.
It is unquestionable that Maynard’s achievements are tremendous. But what is more impressive is that he has never used his condition as an excuse.
Not even once.
