Monday, May 10 marked the start of the 2010 Warrior Games Competition in Colorado Springs, CO. This week, over 180 wounded servicemembers will be competing in Olympic-style events during this inaugural event. Check out a blog post by Petty Officer 2nd Class William Selby highlighting one Army participant and how he is motivated by other wounded warriors like himself.
By all accounts, there is no shortage of motivational stories here at the 2010 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 10-14, 2010. Every one of these athletes are proof that you can do anything you put your mind to.
I was able to speak with U.S. Army Warrant Officer Johnathan Holsey, an above-the-knee amputee competing in the track and field events here this week. Holsey the first amputee to become a warrant officer discussed two main themes consistent through the games: camaraderie among the athletes and motivation.
Holsey, who was injured in November 2004, has been in the U.S. Army for 12 years. His injury occurred when his convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device. His left leg was amputated 13 days later.
After his amputation, Holsey explained he was extremely motivated by others like him.
“While talking with others with similar injuries, I realized that I could do anything I want,” Holsey said.
From then on, Holsey said that he wanted to be motivation for others.
“I saw these younger guys, 20 and 21 years old with injuries and I knew that I could help them and show them what I learned from my injury,” he added.
While speaking with Holsey, I realized that he does whatever he wants to do, and he’s not afraid to try anything, which is how he ended up here at the Warrior Games.
Holsey explained that when his Army Wounded Warrior Program Advocate asked him if he’d like to try and compete in the Warrior Games, he didn’t ever expect to be chosen for the team, but he was willing to try.
“I thought being selected would be the hard part, but once I was selected I realized the training was the hardest,” he said.
Holsey said one thing that helps him move on each day, is setting short-term goals.
“I’m currently in college and I will take two classes every semester until I get my bachelors degree in business,” Holsey said.
“What’s next after the Warrior Games,” I asked.
He replied, “The Army 10 miler in under 90 minutes.”
Wow! Is there anything these men and women can’t do?
Warrant Officer Johnathan Holsey, an above-the-knee amputee, participates in the 2010 Warrior Games Competition in Colorado Springs, CO.
