Mark Whitson
“I think of sports as medicine. It’s the medicine for the mind and body which provides socialization. It gets me out of the house and it provides fitness and recreation that builds confidence, strength which leads to happiness.” - Mark Whitson, Private First Class, U.S. Army (RET)
Whitson joined the Army in March of 1985. He was stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. as a Motor Transport Operator, 64C, in an engineer battalion. His main duties were to supply the ranges with ordnance, along with other logistical duties.
One morning before formation, Whitson was hit by a truck resulting in the amputation of his leg above the knee. After months at Walter Reed rehabbing, he was provided a prosthetic, and medically retired. Whitson has numerous secondary issues related to amputation that limit his mobility.
Whitson started his adaptive sports journey at a cycling clinic through his local VA and that opened the doors to more opportunities.
In July 2024, he participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in table tennis, handcycling, Boccia, air rifle and air pistol. In August 2024, Whitson competed at the National Veteran’s Golden Age Games in boccia, corn hole, horseshoes, air rifle, air pistol, archery and rode the bobsled at the Olympic park.
In addition to being a Move United Warfighter Ambassador, Whitson attends the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic yearly where he skis and fly fishes. He also teaches ski bike to volunteer instructors and athletes at Ski Santa Fe, NM. Whitson attended the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic where he participated in kayaking, surfing, sailing, cycling and cross fit.
Sports
- Cycling/Adaptive Cycling,
- Boccia,
- Adaptive Archery,
- Shooting/Adaptive Shooting
