Hunter Moore epitomizes the typical teenage athlete. He thrives on sports, securing a spot on the varsity team, and casually shares gym selfies on his Instagram feed.
“It’s all genetics, bro,” he says laughingly as he pumps his almost 20-inch bicep. Moore’s genetic predisposition, manifested as Dystonic Cerebral Palsy due to an infantile stroke, presents a formidable challenge rather than an inherent advantage typical of some athletes.
Despite this hurdle, Moore was raised in a military environment that instilled values of resilience and determination. These principles propelled him to dedicate his childhood to sculpting a physique capable of athletic feats.
From a young age, Moore’s tenacity ensured his presence on his schools’ soccer teams for seven consecutive years. Presently, he showcases his athletic prowess as the long snapper for his junior varsity football squad. Notably, Moore consistently achieves remarkable weightlifting feats, surpassing benchmarks that even individuals without paralysis would find impressive.
Despite his inability to use his left arm for isolated lifts, he remains committed to incorporating it into his workouts to maintain symmetry, a crucial aspect of bodybuilding competitions. He ingeniously adapts by securing his left arm around a bar, breaking its usual position tucked into his armpit, allowing him to perform exercises like squats and deadlifts.
His dedication and perseverance paid off when he competed last summer in the Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association. Despite the challenge, he managed to press 120 lbs. with one arm and deadlift an impressive 405 lbs. These accomplishments earned him first place in his category in Dallas, Texas. Subsequently, he competed again in November in Las Vegas, where he secured another victory, claiming first place in the professional class for Men’s Disabled Standing.
Reflecting on his experience, Moore shared that posing on stage was one of the most daunting challenges he has faced. However, the overwhelming support he received, evident in the cheers and whistles, served as a tangible acknowledgment of his relentless hard work. His achievements stand as a testament to his determination, surpassing the expectations of many, disabled or not.
“I will define myself and not let cerebral palsy or anyone else define me,” he said when he spoke to Joker Magazine. He also added that he plans to go to university to study marine biology and hopes to also pursue the field of motivational speaking.
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