Dakota Boyd's favorit athletic event

“Don’t give up on yourself and don’t let other people dictate where you’re going,” says Lance Cpl. Dakota Boyer, who was told he’d never walk again – but, is competing in four events in this week’s Defense Department Warrior Games.

"No matter what your story is, no matter who you are," he said, "don't give up on yourself and don't let other people dictate where you're going to be in life. Otherwise, you're going to be right where they say you're going to be."

Two years ago, after his back was crushed during a training exercise, doctors told Boyer he’d be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life – but, that didn’t stop this 22 year-old Marine. As ESPN reports:

“Recovering from a horrific 2015 training accident in California, where an engine fell on him and crushed his back. Boyer couldn't move his legs or his right arm after the accident, but he eventually worked his way to a walker, then two canes, then one cane; and now he walks unassisted.”

And, this week, Boyer is competing in at least four events, including swimming, at the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The games for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans run through Saturday.

Boyd realized he wanted to be a Marine when he was only six years as he watched coverage of a Marine responding to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S.:

"I just remember him being covered in ash," Boyd told ESPN. "I don't know. Ever since that day, I've wanted to be a Marine."

See full story at ESPN.com.