Born: 1959
Died: 2023
Biography:
Sarah Doherty (December 21, 1959 – January 5, 2023) was an amputee mountaineer, ski racer, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur who left an indelible mark on the world. Her life was defined by extraordinary achievements, inspiring others, and breaking boundaries.
Born on December 21, 1959, Sarah’s life took an unforeseen turn at the age of 13 when she lost her right leg in a devastating accident caused by a drunk driver. Despite this significant setback, Sarah’s resilience and determination were ignited. Undeterred by her disability, she embarked on a remarkable journey that would transform her into a trailblazer and an icon in the world of adaptive sports.
Sarah’s passion for skiing became her driving force to conquer her disability. Just six months after her accident, she embarked on an incredible journey to learn how to ski on one leg with the aid of outrigger ski poles. Under the guidance of Kirk Bauer, the founder of Disabled Sports USA, Sarah participated in regional ski races in the Mount Sunapee area as part of the New England Handicapped Sportsman Association (NEHSA). Her unwavering dedication paid off when she was honored with the Ben Allen Cup as the NEHSA’s most improved skier, a well-deserved recognition of her relentless pursuit of excellence.
In 1985, Sarah relocated to Winter Park, Colorado, to fully immerse herself in ski racing. Her exceptional skills and tenacity caught the attention of the U.S. National Disabled Ski Team, making her an alternate for the team’s inaugural showcase at the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary. Sarah’s presence on the team showcased adaptive skiing to the world, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and its inclusivity.
But Sarah’s adventurous spirit didn’t stop at skiing. She ventured into the realm of alpine hiking and mountaineering, adding more laurels to her remarkable journey. In 1984, she became the first one-legged woman to summit Mount Rainier, a remarkable feat that showcased her strength, determination, and love for the mountains. Not content with this achievement alone, the following year, Sarah etched her name in history once again as the first amputee to reach the summit of Mount McKinley without a prosthetic limb. Her audacious endeavors shattered barriers and inspired generations.
As Sarah’s passion for mountaineering grew, so did her desire to contribute to the field of adaptive equipment design. Her experience preparing to climb Mount McKinley led her to develop innovative crutch prototypes. With the collaboration of structural engineer Kerith Perreur-Lloyd, Sarah founded SideStix Ventures Inc., a company dedicated to creating cutting-edge crutch designs. This groundbreaking venture allowed her to field test her creations on challenging expeditions, such as the West Coast Trail in 2008 and Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009.
Sarah’s unwavering commitment and entrepreneurial spirit garnered recognition and accolades throughout her life. In 2014, Girls Incorporated of Taunton bestowed upon her the prestigious Woman of Achievement award, celebrating her remarkable accomplishments and the inspiration she provided to countless individuals.
Sarah Doherty’s contributions to mountaineering, adaptive sports, and the field of adaptive equipment design were immeasurable. Her courage and determination carved a path for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to pursue their dreams. Her legacy lives on as an emblem of hope, strength, and resilience.
Awards:
– Woman of Achievement award from Girls Incorporated of Taunton – 2014
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