You may not recognize the name of Kyle Maynard, but if you have seen his story on an ESPN television special or read about him in a magazine or book, you will never forget this young man. I first read about him in a book called, “Finish Strong” by Dan Green.
Kyle began wrestling in the sixth grade and he lost his first 35 matches in a row. Maybe his body wasn’t built for wrestling. Perhaps it was true, but his heart refused to listen. Kyle was a warrior. He began training with weights and learned wresting moves that uniquely lent themselves to his individualized strengths. During his senior year, he won 35 times and qualified for the George High School Wrestling Championship. He won his first three matches at State, and faced his final opponent with a broken nose. He lost… the wrestling match, but he won much more- the courage and faith to rise above all adversity.
Kyle Maynard was born with incomplete arms and legs. His arms ended at his elbows and his legs ended at his knees. Kyle and his family refused to set limits on him. His grandmother often took him to the grocery store and told him to sit up straight and look people in the eye and smile. Kyle played football and hockey, but his sport of choice became wrestling which put him more on an equal playing field.
Kyle now attends the University of Georgia and he still wrestles, but he does so much more… He motivates a whole generation of people and teaches us courage, tenacity, hard work, and faith. And in that book, that makes him a hero.
I can’t wait to share the story of Kyle with my daughters. How about you?
