Prattville (Ala.) wrestler Justin Levins has inspired teammates with his dedication and toughness.
Justin Levins, Prattville
Photo by Lisa Pierce
Far from an ordinary teenager,
Prattville (Prattville, Ala.) heavyweight wrestler Justin Levins is missing both feet and part of one arm.
However, coaches and teammates say what makes Levins stand out is not his physical appearance, but rather, his toughness and work ethic.
As reported by WSFA in Montgomery, Levins had both feet amputated after a battle with pneumonia as a 7 month old. He was given only a 1-in-20 chance of surviving.
He persevered and years later, took up wrestling in high school.
However, people at Prattville, which is known as a football powerhouse but has an under-appreciated wrestling program, were skeptical at first.
"I was kind of skeptical. I had never had a person with missing limbs, and when he came out, I thought I didn't know. But when I saw him run on the track, I thought this kid was going to be OK," said Prattville head wrestling coach Trent Miller.
Now that Levins has emerged as a solid contender in the state's heavyweight bracket, he has proven to be an inspiration to his teammates.
"I figure if he can do it with no legs, why can't I?" teammate Chris Lujan.
