Grew up in Southern California, where he could be found surfing, playing soccer, and riding dirt bikes
While riding as a passenger on his friend’s dirt bike, a car struck them, injuring them both
That accident led to the amputation of Merrill’s right leg, just below his knee
Went under the care of his first prosthetist, Gary Yamamoto, who encouraged him to attend an Össur Challenged Athletes Foundation sponsored running clinic for athletes
Made his Team USA debut at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships
Has been previously coached by Gary Cablayan, Dan Pfaff, and Nic Taylor. His current coach is Jeremy Fischer
Has worked with prosthetists Gary Yamamoto, Mike Pack and currently works with Francois Van Der Watt
Currently the American record holder in long jump for his classification and a member of Team Össur
Enjoys coffee, reading, surfing, 4x4 off-roading, and camping
His hero is his grandfather Bob Merrill

Most recent: 2024 – bronze (Long Jump T64 - Men)
Years of participation: Long Jump T64 - Men 2019, 2023, 2024; 100m T44 - Men 2015; 200m T44 - Men 2015; 4 x 100m Relay T42-47 - Men 2015
Medals: 2 (1 silver, 1 bronze)

Athlete Bio.css-igbi2s{margin-left:0.5rem;opacity:0;-webkit-transition:opacity 300ms ease-in-out;transition:opacity 300ms ease-in-out;}.css-igbi2s:is(:focus-visible, [data-focus-visible]){display:inline-block;outline:3px solid var(--anchor-focus-color, currentColor);opacity:1;}#

Athlete Bio#