Kyle Maynard was born March 24, 1986 with a rare disorder called, “Congenital Amputation,” leaving him with three joints; a neck and two shoulders. He has no elbows or knees. He measures just over 3 feet tall and weighs approximately 120 pounds. Despite his physical differences, Kyle was one of the top high school wrestlers in Georgia during his senior season. He qualified for and competed in the 2004 Georgia High School Wrestling Championships. Also, he narrowly missed All-American status at the NHSCA Senior National Wrestling Championships.

He has participated in many sports, including swimming, baseball, street hockey, football, and wrestling, all without the aide of prosthetics. His wrestling style is unique, using his head like a battering ram and limbs like clubs. Kyle and his high school coach, Cliff Ramos, invented new wrestling moves such as the “jawbreaker” and “buzz saw” that take advantage of Kyle’s low center of gravity and superior strength.

However, as impressive as his academic and sport accomplishments are, it is Kyle’s attitude towards life that makes Kyle a truly unique person. Kyle does not think in terms of limitations, but only in accomplishments. One of Kyle’s favorite sayings is, “It's not what I can do; it's what I WILL do.” The attitude Kyle approaches life with is the result of numerous failures, the perseverance to overcome his limitations, and the loving, but strict care of his parents. 

As an infant, Kyle’s father stressed self-reliance, often telling his more sympathetic wife, “If he does not figure out how to eat on his own, he’s going to starve.” Sure enough, Kyle figured out how to eat on his own, and now can easily eat with standard silverware. He has impeccable handwriting and can type 50 words a minute. It is with the love and encouragement of his family, that Kyle has overcome his physical shortcomings to turn into the man he is today.

There is no doubt that Kyle is special, but he would be the first to admit that family and friends deserve the most credit for his success. In addition to Kyle, Scott and Anita Maynard have three daughters: Amber, Lindsay, and MacKenzie. Kyle was brought up being afforded no special privileges because of his physical differences.

The story of Kyle Maynard transcends the sport of wrestling. It sends a message of hope to those who must persevere in overcoming insurmountable odds. What many of us would consider a handicap, Kyle uses as a gift. It is not only Kyle’s attitude towards wrestling that endures him into the hearts of those he comes into contact with, but also, his passion and zest for life that is equally contagious. He may only stand three feet tall, but he is truly a giant amongst men.