US Navy SEALs are known for their physical strength and mental perseverance as they are tasked with some of the most difficult missions imaginable. Veteran David Charbonnet, a Navy SEAL Special Operator 2nd Class from SEAL Team 1, had these traits put to the ultimate test after he sustained a life-altering injury during a civilian training jump in San Diego, California. This injury left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Despite this setback, David's determination never wavered. During his recovery, he discovered adaptive sports, particularly paracanoe, which reignited his competitive spirit and allowed him to reclaim a sense of purpose. Discovering the sport, David channeled his fighting spirit into a new arena, embracing the challenges and triumphs of adaptive sports.
He contacted AWP to seek assistance funding professional paracanoe coaching. He aimed to train for and compete in the 2024 ICF Paracanoe World Championships in Szeged, Hungary.
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David began intensive paracanoe training, aspiring to compete in the 2024 ICF Paracanoe World Championships as a stepping stone toward qualifying for the 2028 USA Paralympic Paracanoe Team in Los Angeles, California. Leveraging AWP's connections with The Warrior Foundation Freedom Station in San Diego, Deputy Director of The AWP Network, Steve Smutak, helped secure a sizeable donation for David's professional paracanoe coaching.
David competed in the 200m Sprint Kayak race at the 2024 ICF Paracanoe World Championships in Hungary, delivering a commendable performance despite not securing a qualification slot for the 2024 USA Paralympic Team. His relentless hard work and dedication continue to drive him as he sets his sights on the 2028 USA Paralympic Team.
True to the Navy SEAL ethos, "Never Out Of The Fight," David exemplifies the unwavering spirit of a warrior.
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