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Jim MacLaren (born April 13, 1963) is a motivational speaker and author, noted for his record-breaking performances in the marathon and Ironman triathlon after having his left leg amputated below the knee.

Biography

Jim was born on April 13, 1963. He was a standout athlete in football and lacrosse at Yale University, and before Yale had been a leading athlete at Vermont Academy. In 1985, at the age of 22, Jim lost his left leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident. He recovered, and went on to run the marathon in 3 hours, 16 minutes, and to finish the Ironman Hawaii in 10 hours, 42 minutes.

Then, in 1993, during the Orange County Ironman, Jim was struck by a van during the bike portion of the race and collided with a signpost, rendering him a quadriplegic.

Jim's accident inspired members of the running community to raise funds to allow him to purchase a van he could drive with his hands. The fundraiser rose above and beyond the amount of funds necessary, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation was founded in an effort to support other disabled athletes in their efforts.

Again, Jim recovered, and now uses a wheelchair. Jim works as a motivational speaker and author.

He was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2005 ESPY Awards presentation.

External links

• Jim MacLaren official web site
• IronmanLive.com story on Jim MacLaren