Yesterday, on February 23, the contestants vying for Taylor Frankie Paul‘s love were finally revealed.
On the list are 22 men, all from different parts of the country, with ages varying from 28 to 43, and with differing jobs, including a cowboy, a singer/songwriter and a healing chiropractor. And, despite the long list of eligible bachelors, one contestant, Trenten Merill, is certainly standing out.
Trenten Merill Is a Three-Time Paralympian
Unlike many athletes in “Bachelor” past with underwhelming track records, Merill, 35, is not only an impressive three-time Paralympian, but he’s still actively competing in the sport too.
His story started off when he got into a car crash while on a dirt bike when he was in high school, and, after having multiple surgeries to repair his right foot, which was crushed in the accident, he had a below-the-knee amputation.
In one TikTok, Merill opened up about the moment, and how crucial his faith was at the time. “God spoke to me,” he said, knowing that something greater was coming for him down the line.
Once recovery was done, and he received a prosthetic, Merill came back to sports, and was soon scouted by a coach to compete to join the national paralympic team for long jumping. After five years of training and working on his craft, Merill joined the National US Team.
His first appearance at the Paralympic Games was at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where he placed fourth. In 2021, at the Tokyo Games, he finished bronze and won his first Olympic medal. He also competed in the 2024 Paralympic Games, but did not place.
Trenten Merill Is Excited to Be Joining ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 22
While his story of resilience and determination is enough to make Merill an early favorite, he also seems excited to prove himself on “The Bachelorette.”
On Instagram, Merill, who hails from San Juan Capistrano, California, shared a funny video of him and his German shepherd, Rango, preparing for his reality TV show premiere. In it, he’s seen sprinting with red roses in his mouth, researching everything he needs to know about Paul and even driving down to a Mormon Church.
“The most eligible BACHELOR may just be your favorite Paralympian! 🇺🇸 🌹” Merill wrote in the caption.
In the comment section, fellow Paralympian Hunter Woodhall is showing his support. “Gold medal choice right there,” Woodhall commeted.
Tune it to see Merill and the other 21 bachelors competing for Taylor Frankie Paul on Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The series airs on ABC and will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
