QRF Athletes
Austin Owens
Strongman Athlete
![image_6487327 (3)](https://qrfvet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/image_6487327-3.jpg)
I was in the United States Army as an 11B Infantryman. While deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 attached to SOTF I was injured by an RPG. I caught shrapnel throughout my body including my head, sustaining a traumatic brain injury. After receiving a Purple Heart and other various awards, I was medically retired out of the Army. I truly found my love for fitness during the rehabilitation process. I could see the benefits of exercise for physiological reasons but the mental benefits were just as important.
It has been the one thing to keep me on a straight path.
In recent years, I started competing in Strongman and Powerlifting, winning Ohio’s Strongest man in 2022 and placing well in other various competitions. With the help of QRF, I am able to continue to compete in Strongman and pursue my goals within the sport.
![image_6487327 (2)](https://qrfvet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/image_6487327-2.jpg)
![image_6483441](https://qrfvet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/image_6483441.jpg)
![image_6487327 (1)](https://qrfvet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/image_6487327-1.jpg)
![image_6487327](https://qrfvet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/image_6487327.jpg)
![quote112](https://qrfvet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/quote112.png)