Austin grew up in Southern California and was very active in extreme sports such as Motorcycles and BMX racing. Halfway through his middle school cross country season, he was accidentally shot in the neck during a hunting adventure—resulting in a C5 spinal cord injury and paralysis. He went on to graduate with honors from high school and community college while continuing his love of sports. He can't run so he handcycles. Since 2013, Austin has participated in RC truck racing where he competes against able-bodied drivers and wins. An entrepreneur at heart, he plans to open his own business after receiving his degree in business administration. His passion outside of school is writing and cinematography. Writing gives Austin the freedom to express the emotions that his body can't physically achieve, while cinematography allows him to put those expressions on screen. Austin is the third Swim With Mike scholarship recipient to attend Arizona State University.