Utah Valley University wrestler Ben Kjar is the school's first All-American in wrestling.
He placed fourth in the 2011 wrestling National Championship. However, Kjar's story is not typical. Kjar was born with Crouzon syndrome, a cranial facial anomaly. Doctors indicated that he would need several reconstructive surgeries and that he would be unable to participate in contact sports.
Kjar talks about the difficulty of dealing with the syndrome as a child. Through the support of family and friends, he defied the odds and became a standout wrestler. Kjar talks about how you have to create opportunities for yourself and to never create a personal "ceiling" that may hold you back.
Kjar is now training to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Learn more about Kjar on his website, www.faceofachampion.net/.
UVU wrestler Ben Kjar, a face of a champion
Watch this inspirational story about Utah Valley University wrestler Ben Kjar as he overcomes Crouzon syndrome to become an All-American wrestler
Contact Gregory Rose at grose@deseretdigital.com or follow him on Twitter @GRoseDDM.