Category: Amputee Athletes
Marko Cheseto World Best Chicago Marathon for Double Amputee
Marko Cheseto finished 250 overall, 31st in his age group with a time of 2:37:23 at the Chicago Marathon today, smashing the existing World Record of 2:42:24 that he set six months ago at the Boston Marathon! Way to go, Marko — you did it! Your POA family was cheering you all the way to your fantastic finish! Well done!
#poaorlando #innerpower#pushyourlimits #discoveryourabilities #marathonman
Bree McMahon’s Comeback Story
We met Bree six years ago, just a few weeks after the tragic accident that resulted in the amputation of one leg above the knee, and severe injuries to the other. Bree, sitting up in her hospital bed, eyes bright with curiosity and determination, clutched a bright green soccer shoe while we explained the prosthetic fitting process. “I need to be able to wear this shoe,” she explained. “I have a scholarship to play soccer in college, so I have to get back in shape as soon as possible.” Although we knew it would be difficult for an above-knee amputee to compete and participate in college level soccer, there was something in Bree’s eyes that told us, if anyone can do it, it’s her. So, from hospital room to prosthetic leg fittings, to working out and strength training, Bree fought back. The next year, Brevard College honored the scholoarship they had awarded her before the accident. Not one to sit on the sidelines, Bree practiced with the team every day. She even played in a couple of the games. She has a passion for coaching, and enjoys volunteering her time and skills at Nubability, a non-profi camp for amputees. Since graduating from college Bree continues to work in the world of her beloved soccer, as an assistant coach at Mars Hill University. #noboundaries #poa #prosthetics #amputee #adaptive
Bree McMahon from Scott O'Leary on Vimeo.
Above Knee Amputee Colin Cook Competing in 2016 Stance ISA World Surfing Championship
In October 2015, POA client Colin Cook lost his leg above the knee to a shark while surfing in Hawaii. All goals have obstacles to overcome. We all have things standing in our way. They can often seem insurmountable, but with enough perseverance we can usually get around them. Over the past year, Colin has put a tremendous amount of effort into his rehab and it has really paid off. This week, strong and confident, he will be competing in the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship in La Jolla, California! (see following link) 2016 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship
POA Client Conner, Bilateral AK (PFFD) Amputee Walks for First Time Ever!
Conner, born with a condition that affected the development of his legs and hips (PFFD), had never been able to walk successfully on prosthetic legs. He stayed active by playing wheelchair tennis and used short prosthetic sockets attached directly to the feet (called “stubbies”) to get around. One of our POA clients, a physician who has played wheelchair tennis with Conner, told him about our experience and success with many PFFD amputees using new technology – and now he is one of them!
Exactly one week after taking his first steps ever on full prosthetic legs, Conner returned home walking tall!
POA client Amy Purdy on cover of Strong Fitness Magazine
#POA client and U.S. Paralympics snowboarder Amy Purdy is on the Sept/Oct cover of STRONG Fitness Magazine! If you’d like a copy, it should be in stores within the next couple of weeks. #NoBoundaries #Inspiration
POA Athletes Getting Ready for the Paralympics!
POA clients Scout Bassett (AK amputee), April Holmes (BK amputee) and Regas Woods (bilateral AK amputee) are getting ready to fly! Scout was in town last week for a prosthetic tune-up, Regas will be in this week, and April, who lives in the area, is training hard! We can’t wait to see the results of all their hard work when they represent Team USA at the Paralympic Games in Rio! The Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Rio Paralympics will be on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. #POAproud #NoBoundaries #Rio2016
Congratulations to our POA Paralympians! #Rio2016
POA clients Scout Basset, April Holmes, and Regas Woods are going to be representing #TeamUSA at the 2016 Paralympic Games in rio de janeiro, Brazil! Marko Cheseto will be there as well, representing his home country of Kenya. We could not be more proud of these world class athletes, and look forward to cheering them on!
Amputee Keith Severson plays on inline hockey league #noboundaries
Message and pics from POA client Keith Severson… “Here are a few pictures from my inline hockey league. Always fun to see the other team players see me take off my leg after a game and realize the guy who scored a couple goals is missing a leg. Thanks to the POA team and to Steve Chamberland of 50legs.org! He was a huge reason I was able to get out to POA. Without his assistance I would still be in my old set up not getting to play the sports I love.” #noboundaries 
Excitement Grows for Reveal of Amy Purdy’s New Legs on Dancing with the Stars!
In this article, Derek Hough talks about the idea for Amy Purdy‘s new dancing legs–suggested by her “prosthetics maker.” #POAproud #thinkoutsidethebox #DWTS #Team Amy #PurdyHough Click here to see Derek Hough TV Guide Interview
Amy Purdy spoke with #yahoo news about her current Dancing with the Stars gig, and reflected on her past. Well done! #POAproud #DWTS #TeamAmy #PurdyHough Click Here to view Yahoo article on Amy Purdy