Zion Clark was raised in an abusive foster home and was born with a disease called caudal regression syndrome, yet he never let it stop him from succeeding.

On Tuesday’s edition of America’s Got Talent, one of the most motivational performances to ever perform on the show dazzled the crowd.

Zion Clark won over judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofa Vergara during the most recent round of auditions by telling his motivational life story and showcasing his athletic prowess.

Zion, 25, revealed on the program that he’s experienced a variety of difficulties since very early in his life. The Canton, Ohio native was born without legs due to the “super rare” ailment caudal regression syndrome.

“There’s practically nothing known about it,” he said. Besides the fact that I lack legs.

For the first 17 years of his life, Zion spent time in foster care and never met either of his parents. “Dad’s in jail, mom’s in prison. In the episode, he said, “I was thrust into the system the moment I left the hospital.

I was essentially tossed away because I was disabled and a foster child, he said. “I was treated like less than human, and I have scars all over my body to prove it.”

A woman eventually consented to adopt Zion after he had gone through about 14 different homes and was “about to age out and be homeless” when the foster agency contacted her.

He praised his foster mother, saying, “I got adopted, everything fell into place. I got into wrestling, my grades went up. She has both patience and toughness. She wouldn’t let me give up on anything, and she completely turned around my life by demonstrating to me my own potential.

Zion’s tremendous dedication and perseverance helped him become one of the top three wrestlers in Ohio, an All-American, and a member of the Team USA wrestling team despite the fact that he was born without legs and after losing the first 200 matches.

He went on to become a professional MMA fighter, defeating opponents who were physically fit, and he set three Guinness World Records, including the most diamond pushups, the highest box jump, and the fastest man on two hands.

Zion then performed a variety of fitness exercises, such as rope climbs, bench presses, box jumps, and monkey bars, while telling his narrative live on stage through a voiceover.

He remarked, “I decided to walk on my two hands rather than the wheelchair they put me in. “I chose a life of no justifications.”

Zion received a standing ovation from the audience and the judges after his performance. He was described as “absolutely incredible” by Heidi, and Sofa emphasized his infectious smile.

“From the minute you arrived, you appeared to be having a great time. We often assume that our lives and the world are difficult, and we say things like, “I can’t imagine what it’s been like for you, but here you come with a smile,” she said.

Simon noted that Zion “defines the word ‘inspiration,’” and Howie emphasized how the judges frequently use the word “amazing,” but “it really applies to who” Zion is.

“It’s amazing how you’ve handled everything with such a positive attitude. Before voting unanimously to advance Zion to the next round, the judges each commented, “You’re gonna make a difference and I salute you.

After the event, Zion told PEOPLE that it was a “amazing feeling to see the crowd react the way that they did.”

“I just have fun. Nine times out of ten, you can distribute good energy if you put it into something. He says, “I don’t go into something knowing that ‘OK, I’m going to put this smile on my face and this is what’s going to happen. “I won’t grin if I’m not having a good time. I will enjoy myself if I can. The point is, I try to position myself, surround myself with people, and put myself in situations where, no matter what I do, everything will turn out well from all perspectives.

What does he want people to take away from his tale and audition, though? He says, “I think all I really want is for people to feel inspired and motivated.” “I want them to enjoy themselves as well. I want people to experience a variety of emotions. But here’s the thing: whether they do or don’t, I had a nice time, so who cares?

“It’s cool if I win. Even if I lose, that’s still cool, he continues. “The experience is why I’m here. And it would be even wonderful if I were to triumph.

Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, NBC broadcasts America’s Got Talent.