DUNNELLON, FL (352today.com) – People have always been telling Regas Woods what he wouldn’t be able to do.

The 43-year-old elite athlete was born with a congenital condition where the tibia and fibula in both legs failed to form. When he was two years old, Woods’ mother made the difficult decision to have both of his legs amputated above the knee.

That did nothing to deter the intrepid spirit Woods possessed.

“I wanted to be a kid, I wanted to play and do like the other kids,” said Woods. “I think that was just something that was instilled in me, to never give up.”

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Woods began running track at age 10. He competed in the junior divisions, when he was attending Lake Silver School in Orlando.

Being a bilateral amputee has its challenges. He runs on a pair of prosthetic limbs that are referred to as blades. The very devices that propel him can also fail.

 

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Regas has racked up eight national championships as a sprinter in the 100 and 200 meters and in the long jump. That’s in addition to his Paralympic performances. He represented the United States at the Games in Brazil in 2016 and again in 2021 in Japan.

“Dream big, consistency is one of the keys to success,” said Woods. “You have to be consistent or it’s not going to happen. You have to stay focused. Character is everything. No matter what the situation looks like to other people, you stay focused, keep going and you don’t give up, no matter what.”

Regas Woods, of the United States, competes in the men’s long jump T42 final, during the Paralympic Games, at the Olympic Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Courtesy: AP Photo/Mauro Pimentel
Regas Woods, of the United States, looks on after competing in round 1, second heat, of the men’s 100-meter T42 athletics event during the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016. Courtesy: AP Photo/Mauro Pimentel
Richard Whitehead, of Britain, left, Ntando Mahlangu, of South Africa, center, and Regas Woods of the United States compete in a round 1, second heat of the men’s 100-meter T42 athletics event during the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016. Courtesy: AP Photo/Mauro Pimentel
Regas Woods, of the United States, competes in round 1, second heat, of the men’s 100-meter T42 of the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016. Courtesy: AP Photo/Mauro Pimentel
Regas Woods competes in the Paralympic 100-meters at the Drake Relays athletics meet, Friday, April 23, 2021, in Des Moines, Iowa. Courtesy: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

This year, he’s focusing on the long jump to qualify for a berth on the U.S. Paralympic team that will go to Paris this summer. As a seasoned Paralympian he knows what to expect at the U.S. trials.

“When I went to Brazil, it was my first games and an experience of a lifetime,” said Woods. “I felt the same way when I made it to Tokyo, when I make it to Paris, it will be the same feeling.”

He’s made a lot of sacrifices but says he doesn’t regret doing so. His longevity as an elite athlete has been the true measure of success, and as a 43-year-old, he’s making the impossible, possible.

“I may be one of the oldest or maybe the oldest sprinter or long jumper when I make this team in Paris,” said Woods. “It’s kind of cool to be able to show the world, that you shouldn’t worry about what people say or what they think, stay focused and do what you have to do.”

Runners, from left, Regas Woods, Trevor Wallace, and Garrison Hayes compete in a men’s 100-meter dash final during the U.S. Paralympics Team Trials in Charlotte, N.C. on Friday, July 1, 2016. Courtesy: AP Photo/Chuck Burton
Regas Woods runs in his heat in the men’s 100-meter dash during the U.S. Paralympics Team Trials in Charlotte, N.C. on July 1, 2016. Courtesy: P Photo/Chuck Burton

Woods’ coach Tony McCall has played a prominent role in his continued success. He’s helped prepare him for the competitions nationally and on the international stage. They can often be seen training at what Woods refers to as his official training site, Dunlap Field at Trinity Catholic High School, which has a number of outstanding amenities including a rubber track and a long jump pit. He’s grateful and appreciative to the Ocala-based learning institution for allowing him to train there.

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“Tony’s a godsend to me,” said Woods. “The man is more than just a coach, he’s a friend. He’s an awesome man who puts in 100 percent if not 200 percent to get to the next level. I’ve made it to the finals of every Paralympics, World Championships and Pan Am Games and done well. He’s one of the best coaches in the world. It’s a blessing to have him this close.”

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Woods also trains at former NFL defensive back Clint Hart’s gym Healthy Harts Fitness in Ocala.

“Clint has been a long-time friend as well,” said Woods. “Opening his gym to me and making it one of my official training spots for my strength training and things like that. I’m able to go in there and get done what I need to get done, as far as me getting strong, and he’s been a big part of that. It’s been a blessing to have him sponsor me, allowing me to use his facility.”

Woods is grateful to his coaches and the kindness of others for helping him throughout his athletic journey. Generosity along with Woods’ bold determination and raw talent have carried him to overcome challenges for as long as he can remember.

Woods along with friend/fellow amputee, Nick Stilwell, founded the Never Say Never Foundation, which inspires and encourages amputee children to reach for the stars and follow their dreams.