In September 2006, Puertas was serving with the U.S. Army in Baghdad, Iraq, when his convoy was hit by an explosive device. He was trapped beneath the door of the armored vehicle in which he was traveling
He was trapped beneath the door of the armored vehicle in which he was traveling
The blast resulted in both of his legs being amputated
Took up the sport in 2007 after trying a number of different rehabilitation techniques following his injury
Competed in Para-swimming and was a torch bearer at the opening ceremony at the 2013 Warrior Games
Mantra: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."
Hero is British Para-sprinter Richard Whitehead.
Paralympic Experience
1-time Paralympian;
Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, 4th (200m T61 - Men)
World Championship Experience
Most recent: 2019 – (200m T61 - Men)
Years of participation: 200m T61 - Men 2019; 200m T42 - Men 2013