Biography

Gaylon Grisby of the USA is a wheelchair bodybuilder whose journey is defined by survival, resilience, and an extraordinary determination to move forward after a life-changing spinal cord injury.

In 2021, Gaylon was vacationing at a friend’s house when four men broke into the home. While Gaylon was in the guest room, he was shot. The bullet entered his right bicep, exited through his tricep, pierced his right lung and caused it to collapse, and ultimately struck his T10 vertebra.

Although the bullet did not directly damage his spinal cord, the trauma and pressure created by the gunshot caused damage at the T10 level, resulting in a complete spinal cord injury and paraplegia. Gaylon’s condition was extremely critical, and during the ordeal, he died three times and was successfully resuscitated each time.

Surviving the shooting marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter in Gaylon’s life. He ultimately turned to wheelchair bodybuilding, channeling his strength and determination into developing his physique and competing in the sport. His journey represents far more than what he accomplishes on stage—it is a testament to his ability to survive an unimaginable experience and continue pushing forward.

Today, Gaylon represents the strength, perseverance, and resilience of wheelchair bodybuilding. From surviving a near-fatal shooting and complete T10 spinal cord injury to pursuing competitive bodybuilding, his story demonstrates the power of continuing to set goals and build a new path forward after life changes in an instant.

Contest history