Harrisburg man is training hard for Strongman Competition

HARRISBURG - The prosthetic leg you see carrying Brad Vinyard throughout his day-to-day routine is not a disability.

Of that, Vinyard is very clear.

The unique limb is, if anything, a compliment to the mild-mannered, stout man it supports. And it will carry Vinyard to the International Disabled Strongman Competition later this year where he will compete against a select few of the world's strongest men.

The Harrisburg man has maintained a steady routine of weight and strength training for five years. Vinyard first heard of the American Strongman competition three years ago via friends who shared Vinyard's passion for powerlifting.

"This year, I just decided why not? Why not try it?" Vinyard said.

His ambition and propensity for competition would pay off. In May, Vinyard traveled to Columbus, Ohio where he competed against four other men, all with similar physical disabilities. Vinyard placed second, a position that would earn him a spot in the International Disabled Strongman Competition being held this September in Bodo, Norway. The one-day event is a competition tailored to athletes with physical disabilities. Due to his artificial leg, Vinyard will compete in the Sitting Division, one of three categories the competition offers its competitors. It's an opportunity that would not have been possible without his prosthetic.

At age 18, an unforeseen diagnosis of bone cancer in his right leg halted the active an otherwise healthy Vinyard. Despite subsequent surgeries and a titanium knee replacement, his leg didn't ever fully heal, leaving the athlete with only the option of amputation in 2012. The result was the prosthetic Vinyard wears today.

"When I lost my leg, I didn't want people to feel sorry for me," Vinyard said.

He sees his newfound appendage as a source of daily inspiration not only for himself but for those watching. "Despite all of these things that I've been through with my leg, if that will motivate them and encourage them to try something then I feel all that I've been through is worth it," Vinyard said.

And since his leg replacement, Vinyard has not slowed down. Instead, he chose to foster his own community as an associate pastor at Harrisburg First Baptist Church. He and his wife Holly have three children, Preston, Lydia, and recently adopted Silas.

Vinyard's unique story has given him a small platform on which not only to speak but motivate as well. Vinyard has spoken at many venues including schools and churches. He continues to speak out of a personal conviction.

"There are trials," Vinyard said. "Those trials have a purpose and lessons for us to learn. And once we learn those lessons, we have a responsibility to share those lessons with other people."

Brooke Brown, Vinyard's younger sister, shares the gym with Vinyard during her visits to southern Illinois. She notes the effect Vinyard's story of perseverance has on others.

"He inspires everybody to get out and work hard for what they want. It's a joy to watch him do this," Brown said.

Preparations include the funding necessary to take the trip. Vinyard's family as well as other local businesses sponsored Vinyard's previous national endeavors and will continue to as he prepares for Norway. His message throughout this competition: "These things don't have to define you."

For questions and/or sponsorship, Vinyard can be reached by email at bradvinyard@gmail.com.