WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – Josh Follen will represent Team Wisconsin as their lone male powerlifter at the Special Olympics USA Games, competing in three events after a lifetime of beating the odds.
Follen, 40, has cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects just 1 in 810,000 babies. He was born unable to breathe and received open heart surgery at 13 months old.
“I never thought he’d get this far, I didn’t even know if he’d live this long,” said Sharon Follen, his mother.
Sharon Follen said she tube fed and bottle fed him at the same time and gave him CPR during his early years.
Follen now manages his asthma and will compete in the bench press, deadlift and squat at the USA Games.
He learned of his selection after competing at the Whitewater Summer Games.
“He comes out to the car and he says dad, I don’t think I made it, but I had fun doing it,” said Randy Follen, his father. “Friday night we’re sitting there, Josh was watching it come up like hey that’s me.”
Josh Follen said he was amazed that he got selected and made it.
“All the athletes are my brothers and sisters, and I get along with each and every one of them,” he said.
Sharon Follen said the Special Olympics community feels like one big family.
All USA Games events will stream on ESPN, starting with Saturday’s opening ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
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