Marlon Shirley
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Date of Birth: April 21, 1978 Amputation Level: Below the Knee Main Events: 100m, 200m, 4x100, 4x400m, Long Jump Competitive Class: T44 Össur Products: Flex-Foot Cheetah®, LP Vari-Flex® (opens in a new window)* Nationality: USA |
Marlon Shirley was the first T44 class athlete to break the 11-second barrier in the 100 meters (10.97). Shirley has not only found a way to prevail, but he has also found a way to become a world class elite athlete and role model to all.
Shirley's story is all the more impressive because of what he's overcome. Abandoned by his birth mother at age 3, he lived on the street before he was adopted by a family in Utah at age 9. At age 5, while living in an orphanage, he fell under a lawnmower and lost his left foot. Still, he played high school football and competed successfully against able-bodied athletes in the high jump.
Early in Shirley's career he trained with Brian Hoddle, a well-renowned coach who took him under his wing. Within two years Shirley went from third to first place and became a Paralympic gold medal winner.
Shirley's ability lies in his training and the Flex-Foot Cheetah® prosthesis he wears for sprinting. For daily activities, he wears a LP Vari-Flex® from Össur, because of the smooth heel to toe transition it affords him.
He articulately addresses corporate CEO's, has met the President of the United States, travels the world and serves as a role model to all. Marlon is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the United Nations' "Role Model of the 21st Century", two "ESPY" Awards and the "U.S. Olympic Spirit Award".
Feeling strongly that he wants to give back to the community, Marlon started the "Champions In Life" program. The goal of this mentorship program is to provide mentorship opportunities for children in underprivileged situations with focus on Foster Children and displaced children. Champions in Life also provides children with the opportunity to learn various life principles important to Marlon’s success as an athlete and a person. Such principles are Team Work, Goal Setting, Persevering, Dedication, Becoming a Role Model, along with many others. Visit his website at www.marlonshirley.com.
Competitive Highlights:
2008 |
U.S. Olympic Spirit Award |
2007 |
US Paralympic National Championship - Gold - 100m |
2006
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IPC World Championships Assen, The Netherlands - Gold - Long jump (6.29m) - Gold - Relay 4x100m |