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Lead Stories: Sunday, November 23, 2008

Podcast 55: JIM MACLAREN
TFS’s June 2007 Success Story and the Epitome of Courage

Posted June 7th, 2007 at 1:30 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Motivation, Success Stories, Columns, Success Stories, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

TFS is proud to present our monthly Success Story award to individuals who have overcome tremendous obstacles, changed their own lives and/or the lives of others through running, sports or fitness. Past award recipients have included female running pioneer
Kathrine Switzer, former Arkansas Governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, and double amputee runner Oscar Pistorius.

I am proud to announce that TFS’s June 2007 Success Story and my guest on Episode #55 of The Final Sprint Podcast is The Epitome of Courage: Mr. Jim MacLaren.

Jim, a former Yale University All-American football and lacrosse player, was hit by a bus at age 22; an accident that forced doctors to amputate his leg. However, Jim persevered, beat the odds and became a marathon runner, Ironman triathlete world record holder and earned the title: “The Babe Ruth of Amputee Athletes”.

Eight years later, Jim was once again the victim of a tragic accident; hit by a van while competing in a triathlon and left as a quadriplegic after sustaining serious spinal injuries.

Never the one to give up, Jim once again proved that his spirit was strong enough to surmount even the most unthinkable of adversities. Jim has gone on to become a motivational speaker, founder of the “Choose Living Foundation”, and as Oprah said at the 2005 ESPY Awards in presenting him with ESPN’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award, Jim has “given new life to those around the world who need it most”.

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Host: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Jim MacLaren
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 18.5 MB
Length: 27:05

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Podcast 33: Interview with Brian Frasure; Paralympic runner and Ossur prosthetist

Posted April 1st, 2007 at 12:52 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Episode 33 of The Final Sprint Podcast features my interview with Brian Frasure; one of the world’s premier Paralympic sprinters, a motivational speaker, a certified prosthetist for Ossur and a true inspiration to athletes around the world.

Brian’s dominance has gone unmatched for more than a decade now. He has set several world records, won a multitude of medals and his performances have permanently elevated the level of Paralympic competition.

In the interview Brian speaks about the tragic accident that changed his life forever, beating the odds to become an elite Paralympic athlete, and his decision to delay retirement.

In light of the IAAF’s recent decision regarding the use of “technical aids” and the accomplishments of Oscar Pistorius, Brian addresses the notion that prosthetics can provide amputee runners with an unfair advantage over their able-bodied peers.

Download the podcast to hear Brian discuss these topics, a comparison between single and double-leg amputee runners, Marlon Shirley, working for Ossur and his advice for others facing major challenges.

Listen In
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Host: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Brian Frasure
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 17.7 MB
Length: 00:25:54

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