Jessica Long, with double amputation, is a paraswimming medallist
One of America’s most decorated athletes of all-time, a speaker, author, advocate and sports personality. She said: “With the never ending support of my family, I understood that the only thing that was going to impact my future was my attitude towards my life.”
Jess Quinn, lost her right leg to cancer at the age of 9
Jess Quinn has a passion for helping people overcome adversity and insecurity using her own experiences. Since losing her right leg to cancer at the age of 9, Jess has refused to let that stand in her way of living life to its fullest with a core passion for helping others overcome their physical and mental setbacks along the way.
Lary León Molina, with multiple amputation. A positive attitude that breaks the mold
What is normal and what is different? When someone’s life changes and is exposed to unexpected circumstances, it’s hard to trust that there are other ways of doing things, other ways to remain useful. Love, tenacity and imagination are the weapons used by Lary, a very special mermaid who is capable of showing that being “different” strengthens and enriches, not only oneself but everyone around her. The universe provides us with infinite capacities, we are the ones who decide to take advantage of them, or not.
Footless Jo’s’ brave leap of faith
Beckwith has turned those hard-fought lessons into her life’s work. She describes herself as an advocate, writer and public speaker “who passionately believes in the incredibly perseverant capacity of the human soul.”
Samantha Tokita McLean, content creator and disability advocate
Little leg, big attitude. Muaythai fighter congenital amputee portrait photographer. Content creator and disability advocate.
Jack Eyers, having a disability doesn’t need to hold you back
Jack Eyers is a double World Champion after a huge couple of years racing the men’s VL3 200m.
His most recent success was in Halifax, Canada, after an incredible run in an exhilarating final saw him obtain the World title for a second time running, holding off the fight from the rest of the field to get ahead by just 0.16 seconds.
2021 saw Jack claim his first World title in Copenhagen, with Jack producing his trademark strong second half of the race to claw back the advantage and pip his British teammate Stu Wood on the line and claim the world crown. Jack concluded the 2022 season with a European best time as he powered to gold in Munich and cap off a fantastic year. In 2018, his first international season racing in canoeing, Jack won both European and World Championships bronze medals in the V1 200m VL3 class, a hugely impressive achievement. Fun fact about Jack aside from the sport, he became the first amputee to be crowned Mr England back in 2017.
Jack joined the Podium Potential Programme in 2018 having first began his sporting career in wheelchair basketball. He also competed in wheelchair racing, athletics, rowing and swimming but now believes he has found his sporting home in canoeing.
Kanya Sesser, demonstrated that physical differences are not limits in life
During the first year of being adopted it was hard to connect with my new family. My first language was Thai, I had to learn English and I didn’t develop full English until I was about nine years old.
In school I had many friends but I was scared to go to birthday parties and I was shy to meet new people. I was never been bullied, but questioned and looked at, and those things are typical for me, nothing has changed.
But life was amazing in high school. I was a jock, going to all-state championships, had lots of people around me and went to many parties. Those were the years I lived my life carefree.
Aimee Mullins, reinvented herself in a powerful way
Aimee Mullins, double amputee and record-breaking athlete, shares how she learned to look at her prosthetics in a new light.
Oscar Pistorius, former Paralympian, who won several competitions as a double amputee
Both of his feet were amputated when he was 11 months old owing to a congenital defect; he was born missing the outside of both feet and both fibulae. Pistorius ran in both nondisabled sprint events and in sprint events for below-knee amputees. He was the 10th athlete to compete at both the Paralympic Games and Olympic Games.
Nicolas James Vujicic. With tetraamelia syndrome who is a best seller, motivational speaker and Director of Life Without Limbs
Nick Vujicic life is the embodiment of the notion that obstacles are opportunities, that life is worth living, and that anything is possible. So, to help further echo Nick’s inspiring message, and to help you better face the adversities and obstacles you may be finding in your life at the moment, we are sharing this inspiring collection of Nick Vujicic Quotes
Kyle Maynard, with quadruple amputee, says: “No more excuses, Starts with you”
Kyle Maynard. “No Excuses”: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling And in Life.
Daisy-May Demetre, with AK and BK amputee model and gym girl
Mr Demetre said walking was “between five and seven times harder” for his daughter, “but you’d never know”. He said there was no opportunity to practise her catwalk before the show, but Daisy was unshaken. “She came out and posed really well, she just nailed it,” he said.
Eric Graise is a singer, actor, and dancer with double AK Amputee
He got a huge opportunity when he was cast in the TV series Step Up: High Water, an offshoot of the Step Up film franchise. Though the series lasted for only two seasons, it helped introduce Eric to a wide audience, which ultimately opened more doors for him. As a result, Eric was able to keep the ball rolling. At present, he is probably best known for his roles in shows like Locke & Key and the reboot of Queer as Folk. Eric is a natural star, and it’s safe to say that he is going to be a fixture on our screens for many years to come.