Össur News

13 October 2009

Double above-knee amputee Rudy Garcia-Tolson seeks retribution after disappointing ironman results

Blood, sweat and tears are the stuff dreams are made of at the Ford Ironman World Championship on the Big Island of Hawaii.  On Saturday, October 11, many dreams came true as Mike Riley "the voice of Ironman" declared their accomplishment, "You are an Ironman!" for most of the 1,770 competitors as they crossed the finish line of the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run distance triathlon.  Unfortunately for some competitors, including Rudy Garcia-Tolson, 21, of Bloomington, CA, those dreams were left unfulfilled.

Photo Courtesy Rich Cruse

"The swim was pretty crazy," explained Rudy, as he described his race day. "There were arms and legs everywhere, so it was definitely an experience.  I felt good on the bike and wasn’t too bothered by the 90+ degree heat or gusty winds, but at about mile 70, I knew I had to keep a certain speed and I knew it was going to be close. I kept pushing till the end."

After an hour and five minute swim and more than nine and a half hours on the bike, Rudy missed the bike cut-off by eight or nine minutes, nearly the time it took for him to get clipped into his pedals in the first transition from the swim to the bike.  As a double above-knee amputee, Rudy needed every second he could get to meet his goal of crossing the finish line at the world’s most challenging endurance event. 

"Sometimes things don’t go the way you want them to" said Rudy when he spoke about what he learned from the experience. "You can give up or your can fight back and continue to go after your goal.  I’m fired up! And after spending a couple hours at the finish line cheering the final competitors in, and feeling the energy from the crowd, the spark grew even stronger."

The Ford Ironman World Championship is not for the faint-of-heart. But Rudy lives to take on challenges. As a spokesperson for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and member of Team Össur – elite amputee athletes sponsored by the company that makes his prosthetic legs - he's always defied perceptions of disability and pushed the limits of what the human body can do. 

"After a heroic effort, Rudy just missed his goal of becoming an Ironman" said Virginia Tinley, CAF's executive director.  "The fact that this two time Paralympic swimming gold medalist was out there pedaling up the challenging hills of Kona in blistering conditions using only his gluts showing others that anything is possible – proves hes capable. It just wasn’t his day.´"

Rudy who was born with the rare birth defect Pterygium Syndrome and had his legs amputated at the age of five, trained relentlessly, sacrificing time with friends and family to log the miles. His preparation involved a unique element; his six artificial legs. He needs different pairs for walking, biking, and running. Technology plays a big part in helping all athletes reach their top form and Rudy is no exception. The advanced Össur carbon fiber technology has been the catalyst that has enabled him to live a life without limitations.

Rudy's collaboration with Össur R&D since age 10 resulted in the development of the Flex-Run^® prosthetic foot that allows above-knee amputees to run long distances. This technology has proven so valuable that Össur partnered with the Challenged Athletes Foundation to provide running feet for those who could not afford them, or whose insurance did not cover them. "Rudy represents everything the Challenged Athletes Foundation is about: Providing access and opportunity for those who have a goal and a dream and are only limited by access to technology," said Virginia Tinley.

"I have no excuses" said Rudy.  "My equipment was perfect, but being off my legs for the three weeks leading into the event due to an infection in my stumps was a set back.  In the end, it was an honor for me to participate in the event, and I'd love to have another opportunity to cross that finish line."

Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports.  CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.  Since 1994, more than $21 million has been raised and almost 4,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it's a $2,000 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF's mission is clear:  give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love.  To learn more, log on to www.challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.

Contact:

Lauren Hinton (CAF, On-site)
Mobile: 858.342.6946
Lauren@challengedathletes.org

Mary Nash (Össur)
Mobile: 949.421.7920
mnash@ossur.com

 

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