October 17, 2007
Amazing athlete
I’m not into sports much. I’m especially not into people identifying athletes as heroes merely because of their contribution to sports. It takes much more than that to define “hero” for me. 39 year-old Scott Rigsby, from Atlanta, Georgia, is an athlete and a hero. Why? Last week he completed the Ironman race on the Big Island. His times were not stellar. He biked 112 miles, swam 2.4 miled and ran 26.2 miles to complete the race in 16 hours, 42minutes and 46 seconds, finishing in 1676th place. The last finisher to complete the race before him was 76 year-old Richard Hunter, but still - Scott did pass four other runners in the last mile of the race. You can see his official stats here on the Ironman.com website, and if you scroll down a bit you’ll find a button that will allow you to watch a video of his finish. When you watch it you’ll see why Scott caught my attention, and why he’s earned himself a place in sports history. Scott Rigsby is the first double-amputee to ever complete an Ironman.
A video from KGMB 9 news coverage includes an interview with this remarkable athlete. I think you’ll see why I call him a hero as you watch and listen to this man who is an inspiration to so many. Next time I find myself thinking “I can’t” - I’ll try to think instead of Scott Rigsby.
Kudos to you, Scott Rigsby. Mahalo for the inspiration.
Photo credit: Bicycling Magazine Forums
[tags]double-amputee athlete, inspiration, Ironman, Scott Rigsby, triathlete, triathlon[/tags]
Posted by skeet @ 5:16 pm • current events, Hawaii
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