After losing his right leg in Iraq nine years ago, Army Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Olson continued to serve in the military as a shooting instructor. Now, Olson is entering new territory. He recently became the first active-duty, combat-wounded soldier to compete for the United States in the Paralympic games, according to Stars and Stripes.
Olson is no stranger to being a trailblazer. His work in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit has helped inspire other wounded soldiers who may have thought their time in the military was over after getting hurt. His work laid the foundation for the creation of the first active duty Army section designed exclusively for wounded troops.
"People will have to overcome obstacles in their time in the military," he told the publication. "When they see a door closing they see another that opens. For me, continuing my military service is an honor. I am one of the lucky people who get to live their dreams. Mine was always to be a soldier."
The Paralympic games are slated to kick off in London on August 29 and run through September 9. Olson will be competing as part of the shooting team.