Alabama's newest high school wrestling champ is 18-year-old Hasaan Hawthorne. Hasaan finished his high school wrestling career with a championship and a perfect 37-0 season record. Oh, and he accomplished all that despite missing both lower legs.
Hasaan had a rare condition called tibial hememelia and was born without shins. His parents had a decision to make – either let his legs and feet grow naturally, which would have left him bound to a wheelchair for life, or amputate his feet and legs below the knees and give him a chance to walk with prosthetics. They chose the latter.
Hasaan grew up with prosthetic legs and was perfectly capable of walking and running. But his parents never considered sports for him. He proved everyone wrong.
Last weekend, Hasaan won first place and was named most valuable wrestler in his weight class at the Alabama state wrestling championship. Next up for him will be the national championship tournament and then on to college.
