How Adaptive Competition Creates Drive
Kohen was born with arthrogryposis amyoplasia, bilateral club foot with lower extremity paralysis. Despite his physical challenges, he never allowed his disability to define what he could or couldn’t do.
“I knew I was different and really just wanted to fit in,” says Kohen Grantom, Para sport and T54 wheelchair racing athlete. “I’ve always just found a way and let no one around me say I can’t do this.”
For much of his childhood, Kohen was the only student at his school with a disability. Still, his life looked much like that of any other teenager, filled with school, chores, video games and time spent outdoors. What set him apart was his relentless love for sports.
“I would always be outside during recess playing football with others, crawling around just because I love sports so much,” says Kohen. “Even though I couldn’t do everything, my peers let me participate regardless of the sport and that feeling was great.”
Wanting to find an adaptive opportunity to compete, Kohen’s school reached out to Texas Parasport, a program dedicated to developing adaptive athletes. They sent one of their coaches, Saul Mendoza, who not only brought a racing wheelchair, but also guidance. For Kohen, it was a moment that changed everything.
“I was just so overwhelmed and excited,” says Kohen. “I was like, oh my gosh, I’m about to do a competitive sport.”
At the time, Kohen wasn’t familiar with Texas Parasport or how pivotal this introduction was.
“I thought Saul was just a guy that brought me a chair,” says Kohen. “I didn’t know anything about him or the team.”
“He was a bit introverted but absolutely thrilled to have a chair he could use,” said Saul Mendoza, Texas Parasport coach. “Seeing him discover his passion was a moment that made me especially proud.”
That first experience planted a seed and two years later during Kohen’s freshman year of high school, he reached out to Saul and officially joined the Texas Parasport team as a competitive athlete.
“Ever since then, he’s been at every and practice,” says Kohen. “Saul is always with us athletes, believes in us and wants the best out of us.”
“Kohen’s work ethic and determination continually impress me,” says Saul. “His commitment and willingness to go above and beyond sets him apart.”
Today, Kohen is focused on competing internationally, improving his times and preparing for collegiate competition with hopes of joining the University of Illinois wheelchair track program.
But beyond that, his goals are clear and ambitious.
“The ultimate goal is to go as far as I can with it,” says Kohen, “I hope to one day compete in the Paralympic Games.”
“If Kohen continues to work as hard as he has so far, I envision him competing in the Paralympic Games and racing on the international professional circuit,” says Saul.
While Kohen’s drive is internal, he is quick to credit the people around him, especially the Texas Parasport community.
“I would not be where I am without Texas Parasport,” says Kohen. “I’m very fortunate with the community I have around me.”
For Kohen, adaptive sports have become more than competition, they are a platform to prove what’s possible.
“I want people to know that I can be like them. That I’m not just someone in a wheelchair,” says Kohen. “If you’re really passionate about something, no matter your struggles, chase it.”
Key Takeaways:
- April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time to recognize the strength and resilience of individuals living with limb loss and limb difference, along with the dedicated professionals who support their journey.
- Founded in 2011, Texas Parasports has provided adaptive sports to individuals with physical disabilities by creating pathways for them to thrive both on and off the field of play. Learn more about their mission and the services they provide here.
- At Warm Springs Foundation, we proudly support Texas Parasport along with others in our Circle of Care who provide life-altering possibilities for those living with disabilities.