Update: Seated Athlete Shares His 'Journey to Greatness'

Gold looks great on you, Jia Jun!

 

Back in March, we introduced you to Jia Jun Wilbanks, an eighth-grade seated athlete from Southeastern Middle School with a big goal: to win gold in shot-put at the Ohio High School Athletic Association's state track meet.

 

We’re excited to share this update: He did it!

 

His incredible season started on the first day of track practice with a custom shot-put chair built by our manufacturing team. From that moment, Jia Jun was on a mission.

 

“The biggest difference was his chair and his confidence,” said his mom, Marie. “Almost every meet, he got a PR (personal record).  And you could see his confidence and maturity just grow and grow. He really believed he could do it!”

 

His win didn’t come easy though. At the state meet, Jia Jun tied for the longest throw, and the gold medal came down to a tiebreaker.

 

 “Jia Jun was trying to prepare himself for whatever happened, but we could tell how badly he wanted to hear his name read as the winner,” Marie said. “He ended up winning because his second-longest throw was farther, and that was the tie breaker. It was so cool!”

 

Seated sports don’t often get the spotlight they deserve, but athletes like Jia Jun are changing that — one throw at a time. His determination, talent and heart are what make opportunities like these so powerful.

 

As for what’s next? We’ll let Jia Jun take it from here:

"I want to share some mental feedback about becoming a state champion. The track practices are like footsteps in a journey. Every time, you get better (at the sport in general). Every step will challenge you, mentally and physically. But if you are not willing to try, you are not ready for the journey — the journey to greatness."

 

In July, Jia Jun will participate in Dream Camp through Adaptive Sports Ohio. This will allow him to try out for other adaptive sports and improve his existing skills.

 

Congratulations, Jia Jun! We’re proud to have been a part of your path — and even more proud to cheer you on as your journey continues.