MOUNT HOLLY, Nc. (WTVM) - A disabled vet and pro para athlete just went to the track and field nationals for the first time - finishing 3rd in the U.S. for seated disc throw. This comes after a catastrophic wreck ended his Army career a decade ago, which he opened up about to News Leader 9.

“I just had my first deadlift competition a few weeks ago and dead lifted 400 pounds for the first time...with a leg and a half,” SGT (Ret) Brian “Big Country” Conwell said.

This pro paralympic athlete has come a long way. Army veteran Brian Conwell - nicknamed “Sgt. Big Country” - was a soldier and officer for more than 9 years. In 2014, on his day off and on his way to pick up food for his troops, Conwell hit black ice and skidded off the road, down a 150 foot ravine near Fort Riley in Kansas.

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