Charlottenin to compete in Paralympics after losing leg in boating accident – ​​WSOC TV

“I have a whole new sporting adventure ahead of me that I could experience,” said Clough.

It’s an adventure that takes Clough to Paris to compete in the Paralympics, but he said he never believed his life would lead him to this moment.

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“I had a boating accident on Lake Norman, not far from here. And that’s where I got my old wooden leg,” Clough said.

In this boating accident in 2019, the 30-year-old Charlotte native had to have a leg amputated below the knee.

Carson was born with natural athletic abilities and had to relearn how to stand, walk and run.

“I’ve just started to put myself in a position where there’s nothing to lean on. You just have to keep going,” Clough explained.

Just two years after learning to walk again, Clough took part in his first triathlon.

“I was able to compete in some national races and qualify for international races. And then I was able to win the race in Miami last March. That qualified me for the Paralympics,” said Clough.

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At the Paralympics, each category depends on the disability, and Clough was the only American para-triathlete to qualify.

“I will be swimming, cycling and running. The whole triathlon is a sprint distance, so about half a mile of swimming, half a mile of cycling and then 3.1 miles of running,” Clough explained.

As he prepares for the competition in a few months, Clough is putting in 25 to 30 hours of physical training each week.

“Just a new challenge. And it’s every day… a whole new challenge,” Clough said.

And although Clough never expected his life to take such a turn, he said it was an honor to wear the USA on his chest and bring home gold.

Clough will compete in the Paralympics in Paris in September. You can donate to his trip here.

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