Justin Phongsavanh is chasing his dream of being a champion in Paris

(NEXSTAR) – In high school, Justin was involved in football, track and field, wrestling and rugby.

But in October 2015, Phongsavanh and his friend were gunned down in a fast-food parking lot which resulted in him being paralyzed below the waist.

After spending four months in the hospital and undergoing physical therapy, he returned home and realized he had the desire to compete again.

Five months after his injury, he reached out to Adaptive Sports Iowa to learn more about Paralympic sport opportunities.

Since then, he has made the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Team, competing in the F54 javelin throw.

“I’m really hoping,” Phongsavanh said, “that it feels like a Super Bowl for us Paralympians.”

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