Scott Winkler, a 2012 London Paralympic Game contender, displays his Olympic rings tattoo and specially designed wheel chair to compete Sept. 1 in the “shot put” event in London. Bonnie Heater / Fort Gordon Public Affairs Just days before travelling to compete in the 2012 London Paralympics, a former Army specialist and a Paralympics athletic contender worked out at the Fort Gordon Fitness Center. Grovetown resident Scott Winkler tackled the Hammer Strength Seated Dip, assisted by his coach of three years, Randy Taylor, Gordon Fitness Manager.

“We are concentrating on light high reps training during his last day of training with me before he heads to London,” Taylor said.

One of the biggest concerns facing Winkler in the upcoming competition is overcoming a surgicallyrepaired right tricep. He hyperextended his elbow in November when throwing the discus at the 2011 Parapan American Games held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Despite his injury, he finished with a gold medal in the shot put and bronze in the discus.

“My motto is, if you believe you can achieve,” Winkler said.

It’s his faith in himself that helped the Pittsburg native to overcome paralysis from the chest down after falling from an ammunition truck while serving in the Army in Tikrit, Iraq in 2003.

That same faith and determination helped him form “Champions Made of Adversity” in 2007. It’s an organization which helps advance the lives of those with disabilities through sports and leisure activities. He works with many Soldiers in the Fort Gordon Warrior Transition Battalion, getting them involved in archery, shooting, hunting and fishing.

Winkler set the American record in the shot put (11.27 meters), placing fifth at the 2008 Paralympics Game in Beijing, China. He has the gold in mind once again. His goal is to hurl a shot put 11:06 meters and take home the gold [medal].

“I am proud of my country,” he said. “I’d fight for it again if I could, but I can’t. I can still compete for country.”

Winkler competes Sept. 1. He will join a record-setting 4, 200 athletes from 165 countries taking part in the 2012 Paralympics. His mom, wife Brandi and an aunt will be in the stands cheering him on while a global television audience expected to reach a historic 4 billion people will also be watching.

Scott Winkler’s Paralympic Experience:
•2008 Paralympic Games – fifth place (shot put)
•2012 Paralympic Games in London

Career Highlights:
•2011 Parapan American Games,
gold medal (shot put), bronze medal (discus)
•2011 International Paralympic Committee
World Championship competitor
•2010 U.S. Paralympic National Championship,
gold medal (discus, shot put)
•2008 U.S. Paralympic National Championship, gold medal (shot put)
•2007 U.S. Paralympic National Championship, gold medal (shot put)