Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Logan Wilson’s journey is one of resilience and determination. He entered the world at UAMS with spina bifida, a condition affecting his spine that has made wheelchair use and leg braces a part of his daily life. After leaving the hospital, Logan’s family moved back to their hometown of Nashville, Arkansas, where he was homeschooled until his junior year of high school.
Despite the challenges he faced, Logan’s passion for life and sports emerged early on.
Growing up, Logan’s family was deeply involved in rifle sports, primarily using .22s for hunting. As he entered seventh grade, like many boys his age, Logan wanted to play sports. However, options were limited in southwest Arkansas for those in wheelchairs.
A pivotal moment came when Logan attended a marksmanship field day at Rick Evans Grandview Prairie, a 4,885-acre wildlife management area in southwest Arkansas that offers educational programs to promote conservation and wildlife management. There, he was introduced to air rifle shooting, sparking a love that would shape his future. “I thought, you know, I’ll try that out and fell in love with it,” Logan recalls, his enthusiasm palpable. “I mean, from the first time, I was not the greatest when I started, but I fell in love with it, and over the years, I began to improve dramatically.”
With his dad as his coach, Logan dedicated countless hours to perfecting his marksmanship skills, shooting 200 to 300 rounds to understand what worked best. Competing in shooting at both the high school and collegiate levels, Logan continued to refine his technique and precision. As he advanced, he realized he wanted to take his passion to the next level.
In an encounter with Lance Brown, a mentor and coach to Logan, he learned about opportunities beyond the collegiate level. It was during this time that Logan attended the Collegiate Nationals, where he met the head of the Paralympic team. This meeting opened the door to a new world of possibilities. “You could really do this if you wanted to,” he was told. Logan’s response was immediate: “Let’s go for it.”
In June 2024, Logan attended the World Shooting Para Sport Grand Prix in Michigan and placed first, bringing him closer to his goal of competing in the Paralympics. Now, he is training diligently and is excited about what the future holds.
Logan notes that his journey wouldn’t be possible without the support of Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics. Since he was two years old, Snell has been there every step of the way, providing essential equipment like crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. Logan fondly remembers meeting Jason Eddy, his go-to man at Snell. “They’ve given me, I like to say, a literal leg up in the world,” Logan shares with a smile.
Jason and the team at Snell have consistently gone above and beyond, ensuring that Logan’s equipment is always in top condition. Whether rebuilding entire braces and legs or providing parts for Logan to assemble himself, Snell has been an unwavering source of support. “Give him a phone call, shoot him an email, and they’ll overdo it,” Logan says with gratitude.
With Snell by his side, Logan has been able to pursue his passions and live life to the fullest. As he looks ahead to his upcoming trip and future opportunities, Logan’s story is a testament to the power of determination, support, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
