Meet Adaptive Athlete: Austin Reese

Austin grew up in Bowie, Maryland, spending his childhood biking and playing outside before finding wrestling, which he competed in through high school. In July 2001, right after high school graduation, he enlisted in the Navy to find opportunities beyond where he grew up.

 

Austin spent the beginning of his 14-year service as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and was combat deployed to Iraq three separate times with an EOD unit. He then switched gears and became a Military Freefall instructor, instructing air operations for all East Coast US Navy EOD forces - including fast roping, rappelling, static line, and Military freefall parachuting.

 

On September 13th, 2013, Austin was involved in a training accident during a routine jump and hit the ground at 65-70 miles per hour. Upon impact, he shattered his pelvis and lower body and suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed, although he has some leg functions.

 

Since his injury, Austin has found meaning through sports and his family, raising two daughters. He became an adaptive sports enthusiast, earning medals in swimming and hand cycling at the Warrior Games. He is also an avid sit skier. During his time at ATF, Austin is looking for a reset and is hoping to start healthy habits to live a long healthy life with his family.