Franklin teen heads to Paralympics after nine years of preparation

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Have you ever seen a story where a child does something truly inspiring and amazing?

Maybe it impacted you so much that a decade later you're wondering, “What is this kid doing now?” »

In 2015, NewsChannel 5's Amy Watson met 9-year-old Zion Redington of Franklin. He was born with one finger on each hand and one toe on each foot. Yet he was determined to become an athlete.

In fact, this young boy wasn't even sure he could play Legos. Well, he did it very well.

Fast forward to today, nine years later. Zion is now 18 years old. He recently moved from Franklin to Birmingham, Alabama, in pursuit of one goal: the Paris Paralympics.

Zion plays wheelchair rugby. It may also be known as Murderball.

Not sure what it is? I drove to Birmingham to see the Zion Train. Watch the video in the player above.

“It's a violent sport,” he said.

I also spent time in Franklin watching Zion and local welder Kris Netercutt prepare Zion's wheelchair for the Paris Paralympics.

“I see him as someone who can overcome anything,” Nethercutt said.

They were working on blocking the knee, which basically helps Zion hit harder. It is a key element of sport.

“The reason we're here is to kind of understand this fully and one of those important tasks is to make a knee block,” Zion said.

“It takes a lot of abuse and trying to build one that holds up is a challenge,” Nethercutt said.

Nethercutt is not associated with USA Wheelchair Rugby. Zion trains at the Lakeshore Foundation, which helps provide these types of opportunities for people with disabilities.

Zion is heading to Paris for the Paralympics at the end of August.