After injury, Colorado combat veteran becomes 2-time Paralympian

COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. (KDVR) — A U.S. Military conflict veteran and all-star athlete suffered a debilitating damage whereas coaching for the Olympics. The damage value him his leg, however that didn’t cease the Coloradan who went on to develop into a two-time Paralympian and is now serving those that serve.

Might is Navy Appreciation Month and John Register is elevating consciousness about troopers and veterans throughout the U.S. Register lives in Colorado Springs, however his presence is felt internationally. He went from being a fight soldier and nationally acknowledged athlete to dropping his leg in a break up second, however by way of the adversity, he’s constructed an empire to assist others.

Register is now an inspirational speaker, however his journey was not straightforward. He ran monitor and area on the College of Arkansas and was a four-time All-American in monitor and area. After going to the Olympic trials, he determined to affix the navy and enlisted within the U.S. Military in 1988. Throughout his navy profession, he served in Operation Desert Defend and Operation Desert Storm.

“Nobody comes again from conflict the identical,” Register stated. “I don’t care in the event you did six days, six months or six years.”

‘Life can change in a single improper step’

A modified man, Register returned from fight and commenced fulfilling one other dream of his: competing within the Olympics.

“I used to be one of many world’s quickest hurdlers,” Register stated.

Register additionally competed with the usArmy World Class Athlete Program and gained 9 gold medals within the Armed Companies Competitors and two World Navy Championships. Whereas on active-duty coaching for the largest sporting stage, Register hit the largest hurdle of all time.

“On Might 17, 1994, I misstepped a hurdle, dislocated my left knee, severed the artery behind the kneecap, and 7 days later I turned an amputee,” Register recalled.

All of a sudden the athlete was part of the incapacity group.

“I used to be carried out,” Register stated. “Life can change in a single improper step. I spotted that at this level and time in my life, I’m not going to the Olympic video games.”

Or so he thought. Register went on to reside his dream. Throughout bodily remedy, Register took up swimming and certified for the usParalympic Crew. He competed within the 1996 video games in Atlanta and that’s the place he noticed runners competing with synthetic limbs.

‘It’s about service’

Shortly after, he was fitted for one and commenced getting proper again to trace and area. He competed within the 2000 Paralympic Sydney video games and gained the silver medal in lengthy soar, all whereas shattering a U.S document.

“Did I ever assume that I might get to right here, from the place I began? No,” Register laughed.

Now the veteran helps others by way of podcasts, TED talks, world inspirational speeches, and one thing he is aware of all too effectively: serving to wounded warriors “hurdle adversity” and “amputate worry” by way of athletics.

“Folks say, how do you stand up in entrance of hundreds of individuals? And I say, effectively it’s not about me, it’s about service,” Register stated.

Register additionally began the Paralympic Navy Sport Program in Colorado Springs in 2004. That program has since developed into the Division of Protection’s Warrior Video games and Prince Harry’s Invictus Video games.

Register stated he’s respiration new life into these injured whereas serving their nation, all whereas making an attempt to interrupt stigmas towards veterans by serving to them discover employment and housing.