All Over the Country — Black American athlete Zion Clark, born without legs, has broken two more Guinness World Records in recent months, cementing his reputation as the quickest man on two hands. He set new world records for both the highest hand-held box jump and the most diamond push-ups completed in three minutes.
It was documented that Clark walked 20 meters on his hands in 4.78 seconds in February 2021, making him the world’s fastest man on two hands. In the course of more than a year, he has broken not one but two more records.
Guinness World Records tweeted footage of Clark’s effort at a top Los Angeles gym with the remark, “It’s TWO new records for the man with no excuses, Zion Clark.”
Jumping with his hands only, Clark set a new world record by landing on a box at least 24 inches from the ground. With a simple hop, he cleared 30 inches, which was previously unattainable. However, he not only surpassed his previous best, but he also leaped an additional three inches, reaching a total height of 33 inches.
He then made an effort to complete the most diamond push-ups in 3 minutes. After attempting 54 push-ups with 48 seconds left, he failed. In the second round, he showed remarkable improvement, performing 248 diamond push-ups in under 3 minutes.
Clark stated that the second record was more difficult to attain since it “was clearly a mind game, it is definitely mind over matter,” as stated in the Guinness World Records.
Clark tried for two other records, too, but was unsuccessful: the most parallel bar dips in one minute while carrying a 40-pound pack and the fastest five-meter rope climb while carrying a 40-pound load (male).
Clark, who was born with Caudal Regression Syndrome and hence did not have legs, described his early years as challenging. Since his biological mother was unable to provide for him, he spent the better part of 17 years in the foster care system. When he was 17 years old, Kimberly Clark Hawkins adopted him.
After then, Clark only took the steps that led to his success, and his record shows it. He is not just an accomplished athlete, but also a public speaker and writer on the subject of personal development.
Clark has no intention of resting on his laurels now that he has broken three world records. He plans to make history in Paris 2024 by competing as both an Olympian and a Paralympian in the same Olympic event. He wants to inspire others who are going through tough times.
You can beat my records if you do what makes you happy and stay true to who you are, he told me.
