A Decade After War Injury Left Him Amputated, Veteran Bob Body Makes History in Parapan American Games Weightlifting Event

As the Paris Olympics 2024 is near, the anticipation to clinch the berth can be felt among the athletes. This has led to significant spectacles at the ongoing tournaments across multiple sports featuring intense showdowns. Along the same lines, USA’s weightlifting team recently celebrated the triumph with gold.

At the ongoing Parapan American Games, USA’s Army Veteran overcame adversity and etched his name in the annals of Parapan American Games this year. A decade after losing his left leg at the war, Bobby Body has led to a social media storm for his recent weightlifting victory.

Incredible win at Parapan American Games

In the 107 kg categories at Para Powerlifting, USA’s veteran Bobby Body clinched a gold medal, setting a new record by lifting 228 kg. Overall, the weightlifting sensation secured a remarkable total of 136.36 points. A recent tweet by Team USA was captioned as “502 LBS U.S. Army Veteran and powerlifter Bobby Body lifts gold and a new Parapan American Games record.”

With his yesterday’s lift at Santiago, Body shattered the records set by Mexican Weightlifter Jose Castillo, having a record of 226 kg. In addition to this, he also surpassed Freddy Castaneda from Colombia, who lifted 220kgs at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. In an exclusive interview with Santiago2023, Body said, “My emotions are at their peak because it’s not very common to hear your country’s anthem at a Parapan American event. I am extremely proud of everything we’ve trained for, and everything we’ve done, and the hard work we’ve put in to be here,”

The North American weightlifter who made it to 216, 223, and 228 missed his fourth attempt. Body added, “I’m not used to competing in front of such large crowds, so I get motivated by the crowd; that’s why I tried to involve them, because it excites me and I push myself harder.” Although people are looking at the triumph of his recent win, Bobby Body’s story is much more than that. 

Bobby’s body is overcoming an IED injury

Bobby Body has a remarkable yet inspiring journey. A decade ago, Bobby witnessed IED Stuck in a Humvee while he was getting deployed to Iraq along with the USA’s army. This not only left him having multiple surgeries but also led to his leg being amputated above the knees. The incident took away Bobby’s legs, but not his grit. Since then, Bobby discovered his passion for weightlifting. 

Read more: Unstoppable USA’s Weightlifting Wonder Claims Gold at Pan Am Junior Games with Record-Breaking Feats

Eventually, Bobby felt ecstatic as he emerged successful in the bodied competition, and this made him participate in the 2023 Parapan American Games. Despite enduring several surgeries and an amputated left leg, Bob wasn’t defied by loss. Instead, he chose to become the prologue to an inspirational story of victory. 

Watch This Story: Chris Bumstead Seeks Help for His Painful Conditions 30 Days Away From Olympia