We all have an individualistic perspective on what makes life fulfilling. Rock climbing has represented that for Sunny Yang since he first started climbing.
"I call this my soul sport, it makes you become better, and better"
~ Sunny Yang
Sunny's commitment to climbing lead him to be able to climb professional grade routes (5.13d), and complete some of the most challenging routes at his favorite rock climbing location: The Red River Gorge. Sunny's skills were rapidly increasing, and he was beginning to attempt his first 5.14 route, until one fateful summer morning.

While out on a jog Sunny was hit by a distracted truck-driver. This incident left him paralyzed from the neck down after being struck by someone texting while driving. Sunny's C1 and C2 vertebrae were broken on impact, an injury that usually results in death or full paralyzation. After waking up from a 64 hour coma, doctors informed Sunny that he would be paralyzed for the rest of his life. When he received this news Sunny informed his doctors that he did not want to receive anymore life-saving treatment.
However, the support of his wife, children, and the rock climbing community helped him realize he must continue to fight, and push himself to keep going. To the surprise of his doctors Sunny has made a miraculous recovery, and has been able to walk and climb since 2017. Since then he has competed in the USA Climbing Paraclimbing National Championships every year, and won first place in 2021.

Now, Sunny is set to defend his championship, but to him, that is irrelevant. Instead his focus is on providing a good example for his children, enjoying their time together, and cherishing every moment he can watch them grow.