GWINNETT | Amputee sets sights on Kilimanjaro | News

ATLANTA -- For thrill seekers, it's considered one of the greatest adventure trips in the world. After months of training, an Atlanta athlete is en route to Africa to summit the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.

Kyle Maynard, 25, of Gwinnett County, Georgia was born with a condition known as congenital amputation. His arms end above the elbows and legs end near the knees.

Through Kyle's commitment to the challenge of climbing Africa's tallest peak, the wrestler and mixed martial artist hopes to inspire injured veterans and children with disabilities, showing no challenge is too great to be conquered.

The fun begins Friday. The team's en route already. They took took off from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Tuesday with 20 bags for their 16-day expedition. But not before some sweet goodbyes.

Although he's a certified fitness instructor, a trained mixed martial artist and has bench pressed 420 pounds, Kyle admits, this will be the longest and most grueling experience ever. He will bear crawl all 19,340 feet.

If you want to follow Kyle and his team during their climb, you'll find links to their daily blog -- Mission Kilimanjaro, Twitter feed -- @MissionKili and Facebook page.