High school senior Hasaan Hawthorne wrapped up a perfect season on Saturday, winning the Class 6A, 145-pound title at the AHSAA (Alabama) State Wrestling Championships to finish an impressive 37-0.
But it’s how Hawthorne accomplished his feat that makes his story so amazing. Hawthorne is a double-amputee.
The Pelham High senior was born without tibias, the lower leg bones that connect the knees to the ankles. Both of his lower legs were amputated at different points in his life. But Hawthorne doesn't use his condition as an excuse, instead pushing all the way to the Alabama high school wrestling championship with one goal in mind: winning.
Hawthorne began playing sports at age 5 and started focusing on wrestling in sixth grade. In high school, he saw Arizona State's one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles as an inspiration, especially when Robles won the 2011 NCAA championship, according to AL.com.
Hasaan Hawthorne named most Valuable Wrestler for Class 6A pic.twitter.com/hFj86x8Kde
— Daniel Boyette (@danielboyette) February 20, 2016
In addition to winning the state title, Hawthorne was also named Most Valuable Wrestler for Class 6A. After his victory was official, he rejoiced with a celebratory "dab."
The avid WWE fan told AL.com that he plans to wrestle at nationals and continue his wrestling career in college.
