"Ironman" is an Engine of Change

Peachtree City Running Club will present Scott Rigsby, a double amputee that has run many marathons as well as ironman, on August 6th, 2007.  The meeting will be held at the Wyndam Peachtree Conference Center at 7:30.  The public is invited.  More about Scott Rigsby on his web site at www.scottrigsby.com.

Change is not easy.  It requires drive and commitment.  It requires an unshakeable determination to overcome any obstacle.

My name is Scott Rigsby and I am an engine of change.

In 1986, I lost my right leg in a truck accident.  My left leg was severely damaged. Despite surgical reconstruction, it required constant repair. Over the course of 12 years, I endured 25 surgeries.  In 1998, I decided to retire from being a "professional patient" and look toward a productive future.  I decided to amputate the left leg on June 22, 1998.  In hindsight, it was the best decisions of my life! Six weeks to the day of my 26th and final surgery, I ran foot over foot on my new set of prosthetic legs.

After enjoying a few years of my new found freedom, I developed an overwhelming desire to make a difference in the world.  I believe that my life was spared for a purpose.  Since my last surgery, I have always had exceptional balance and an amazing ability to balance and run on prosthetic legs. In 2005, I started thinking of how I could use this talent to help pave the way and inspire other physically challenged athletes to reach their goals as well.

In 2006, I set many goals - all of which I have now achieved. Last year, I took the world of triathlon by storm.  In less than six months, I completed 13 triathlons, five road races, one duathlon and set two world triathlon records.  I became the first double amputee to complete an Olympic distance triathlon and a Half Ironman on prosthetics. In March I became the 1st below the knee double amputee to complete a full marathon on prosthetics at the ING Georgia Marathon.

Now looking forward, more world records are ahead of me.  On October 13, 2007, in Kona, Hawaii, I will attempt to become the first double amputee to complete a Full Ironman on prosthesis at the Hawaiian Ironman on prosthesis.

Along the way I have generated a substantial amount of press coverage of my life story and devotion to overcoming obstacles.  I have been using this exposure to generate support for the Scott Rigsby Foundation.

I recently created The Scott Rigsby Foundation as a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization dedicated to the support of physically challenged athletes and their athletic pursuits. The Foundation will promote education and awareness of physically challenged athletes and their use of prosthetics.

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Peachtree City Running Club will present Scott Rigsby, a double amputee that has run many marathons as well as ironman, on August 6th, 2007.  The meeting will be held at the Wyndam Peachtree Conference Center at 7:30. The public is invited.  More about Scott Rigsby on his web site at www.scottrigsby.com.