Photos: The journey to Abu Dhabi for one Special Olympics powerlifter

Vermillion, who has autism and experiences PTSD, is confident in his abilities.

After all, he took home two gold medals and two silvers at the Special Olympics USA Games in July.

That performance earned him a spot on the U.S. team at the World Games, and he'll compete against athletes from around the world on March 20.

"I'm more of a realist," he says. "I would love to win, but I'm not going to fill my head with it."

Here's a look at Vermillion's past few days in Montana and a snapshot of his experience in Abu Dhabi as one of 315 athletes in the U.S. delegation.