Massillon native Zion Clark sets world record
Massillon native Zion Clark is at it again.
The former Washington High athlete turned motivational speaker is now the world record-holder for the fastest human on two hands in a 20-meter run.
He set the Guinness World Records mark (4.78 seconds) earlier this year at his old stomping grounds at Washington High School. Olympic gold medalist and Guinness World Records holder Butch Reynolds trained Clark for the attempt.
A video posted Sept. 22 of the efforts has already garnered more than 20 million views.
Clark took to Instagram to announce his record and encourage people to get their copy of the 2022 Guinness World Records book.
“I am getting ready to set my next
Guinness World Record what do you guys think it is?” he said in the post.
In the video posted on social media, Clark said he was moving so fast the first time he ran the 20 meters he slide under the sensor and had to do it again. Clark told everyone he was going to be under 5 seconds, maybe 4.
“I told you exactly what I was going to do and I did it,” he says in the video.
“To be a Guinness World Record titleholder, I am No. 1,” Clark said. “There's nobody faster than me. I am the fastest man on their hands in the world and at the same time it means my family's winning, my town's winning and my support group's winning because without them I wouldn't be here doing this for you guys.”
Clark recently released his first book. “Zion Unmatched” is aimed at younger readers and features a photo essay of Clark training for the Paralympic Games and family photos of his early life and athletic career in Massillon.
The 24-year-old, born with no lower body due to a rare condition known as caudal regression syndrome, has never let his condition slow him down.
The 2016 Washing High graduate played trumpet in the Tiger Swing Band and wrestled. He also garnered a state championship title in seated racing. He later attended Kent State University's Tuscarawas campus, wrestling for the Golden Flashes before deciding to move to California.
Since heading to the West Coast, Clark's set his sights on new goals. He wants to become the first American athlete to compete in both the Olympic (wrestling) and Paralympic (wheelchair racing) games in 2024.