Carlos Leon

“Life presents us with challenges, it’s up to us how we handle them.”

Carlos Leon managed to survive an entire year in Iraq as a Marine in the Sunni triangle, only to tragically break his neck in a diving accident just weeks after returning home.  After meeting five-time Paralympian Gabe Diaz de Leon at a Paralympic Military Sports Camp, Leon discovered a hidden talent and passion for throwing the discus and shot put. He was transformed overnight.  “Sports became my addiction.  I stopped waking up depressed about my injury, and focused my recovery on a new goal.” Undettered by an incomplete injury that continues to evolve, Carlos set out to qualify for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.