Kaidhyn Stockdale has won the 3A adapted shot put state title for Apollo High School 3 years in a row. He added a record-setting 3A adaptive discus championship in 2023, earning him an athletic and academic scholarship to Midway University. Now, he will represent the United States in the shot put, discus, and javelin throws at the World Abilitysport Games in Thailand this December.
The news came this summer when Stockdale was shattering records and earning medals nationwide.
“This trip to compete means the world to me because it brings me one step closer to my dream, which is to compete at the Paralympics in the coming years,” Stockdale said. “I’m shooting for the 2028 Los Angeles event.”
Stockdale doesn’t just want to compete; he wants to dominate the sport, with his sights set on breaking world records in the respected events. He thinks his tenure at Midway will set him up for continued success in track and field.
“My goal in college is pretty straightforward,” he said. “I want to see how far I’m able to throw. With this coach and the background and success he has, I believe I will be able to accomplish anything in the sport that I have in mind, including breaking more records and earning more medals.”
Stockdale began the sport in 6th grade but said he didn’t truly fall in love with it until 8th grade. At that time, he said he began to find a rhythm and developed skills for success.
“I started to train with my high school team and was able to see with my own eyes that I was fully capable of getting good marks and breaking records, too,” Stockdale said.
This summer, Stockdale competed in national meets in Chicago, Atlanta, and Hoover, Alabama, winning gold at all three. He also claimed the national discus record with a throw of 37.93 meters, which converts to 122 feet and 44 inches.
He attributed much of his success to his dad, family, and the many coaches who have helped him get to this point.
“My dad and my coaches have helped me up to this point, along with all of my teammates over the years,” Stockdale said. “They pushed me to be the person and athlete I am today. I can not thank them enough for believing in me.”
