A MAN OF IMPECCABLE TALENT
HOW STAR GYMNAST DIDN’T LET SHOCK DIAGNOSIS HOLD HIM BACK
CLAY Stephens is no ordinary elite gymnast. He’s scaled the heights of Australian gymnastics and is set to compete on the world stage at the Commonwealth Games without a major muscle integral to the sport.
Amazingly, Stephens has only one pectoral muscle in his chest.
The 25-year-old athlete from Adelaide has Poland syndrome, in which the chest muscles are underdeveloped or entirely absent on one side of the body.
“The doctor who diagnosed me said it’s not a big deal but you probably won’t be able to compete in tennis, swimming or gymnastics, sports that require upper body strength up to a high level,” Stephens recalled. “I was doing all those sports at the time but he said don’t expect too much.”
Despite his diagnosis, Stephens said his parents resolved not to hold him back.
“My parents were never going to stop me from giving things a crack,” Stephens said.
“Gymnastics is very demanding on your upper body but Poland syndrome has never been an excuse and my parents never let me think of it as an excuse not to try.”
As it happens, having one pec did not hold Stephens back, who recently finished second in the AllAround at the 2022 Australian Championships.
“There are certain things that are harder but everyone, especially in elite sport, has strengths and weaknesses,” Stephens said.
“It’s not easy for me but it’s not easy for anybody.”
Despite having six surgeries in five years for a meniscus injury, three ACL blowouts, and one MCL, Stephens has his sights firmly set on team and individual medals.
“Floor and vault have always been my strengths,” Stephens said.
“To bring home a team medal would be amazing, and even considering what I’ve gone through with my knees and mental challenges, a medal on the floor is in my sights.”
Stephens said proving to himself he could make the Commonwealth Games team was one of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming competition.
“Any time you put on the green and gold is a really special moment and doing it next to guys I’ve known for a long time, and people in other sports alongside you, is pretty awesome,” Stephens said.
“These events are important beyond your own individual performance and we’re just trying to do everyone proud.”
In achieving great heights in an elite sport most average people could never even dream of despite his injuries and, of course, having a single pec – Stephens said he was grateful noone had ever told him he couldn’t.
“I’ve had so many messages from people about Poland syndrome, asking how do you have the confidence,” Stephens said.
“It’s a testament to the people in my life and I’m super thankful, because it’s never been a conversation – it’s just, why wouldn’t I be able to do this?”