One day in 1995, David Wagner broke his neck in a freak accident at the beach. His life was then changed forever — paralyzed from the mid-chest down and with limited feeling in his hands, David started a rehab program which included playing table tennis. Realizing he had a special talent with a racquet, David began playing competitive tennis in 1999. Equipped with a degree in Elementary Education from Walla Walla University, in 2001 David had to make a choice: play tennis full time or teach full time. After choosing tennis, David became the number 1-ranked quad wheelchair tennis player in the world, won 6 medals at the Paralympic Games (2 of them gold), and his first Grand Slam US Open win in 2010. Off the court, Wagner is a speaker to provide inspiration to other athletes and the disabled. Check out this motivational video to learn more about his story and find out what tennis means to him!

This HooplaHa Original was produced by Orson Oblowitz. Want more HooplaHa Originals? Check out our YouTube channel — and don’t forget to smile!