Born: 1972 (Meadville, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Amy Palmiero-Winters (born August 18, 1972) is a below-knee amputee who currently holds eleven world records in various events. She is an inspirational athlete known for her remarkable achievements in the field of running. Amy’s journey is characterized by resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit that has propelled her to success despite facing numerous challenges.
Amy Palmiero-Winters was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and from a young age, she exhibited a passion for track and distance running. However, her life took an unexpected turn in 1994 when she was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident that crushed her left leg. She underwent three years of grueling surgeries, but ultimately, her leg had to be amputated below the knee. It was a profound setback, but Amy refused to let her circumstances define her.
Despite the loss of her leg, Amy’s unyielding spirit led her to participate in the Silver Strand Marathon in 2004, when she was five months pregnant and using a prosthetic leg meant for walking. Undeterred by the challenges, she finished second in her division. In the following year, she took part in the New York City Triathlon, using a walking prosthesis and a borrowed bike. Remarkably, she secured third place in her division. It was at this point that Amy decided to pursue running on a more serious level.
Driven by her passion for running, Amy obtained a highly customized prosthetic leg from A Step Ahead Prosthetics in Hicksville, NY. She made the bold decision to relocate to New York to join Team A Step Ahead, a group of amputee athletes coached and sponsored by A Step Ahead Prosthetics. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Amy’s running career.
In May 2006, after extensive training and equipped with a new prosthetic leg, Amy ran the New York City Marathon and set a new world record for a below-knee female amputee, surpassing the previous record by over twenty-five minutes. She continued to defy expectations by running the 2006 Chicago Marathon in 3:04, which remains the best marathon time for a below-knee amputee, regardless of gender.
Amy’s endurance and determination led her to transition from marathons to ultramarathons, which are races longer than the traditional marathon distance. Between 2009 and 2010, she participated in ten ultramarathons, with impressive victories in the female division at the Heartland 100 Mile in October 2009 and the Arizona Road Racers Run to the Future twenty-four-hour race on December 31, 2009. During the latter, Amy covered an astonishing 130.4 miles, becoming the first amputee to win an ultramarathon.
Her outstanding performance garnered recognition, and she was named to the US ultrarunning team for the IAU 24-Hour Ultramarathon World Championships in Brive, France. This marked a significant milestone, as Amy became the first amputee to be included in a United States able-bodied championship team. In May 2010, she finished 18th in the female division at the World Championships, covering a distance of 123.99 miles.
Amy Palmiero-Winters’ story is one of triumph over adversity and serves as an inspiration to individuals facing their own challenges. Through her determination and perseverance, she has shattered records, proven that physical disabilities don’t limit one’s potential, and redefined the boundaries of what is possible. Amy’s impact extends beyond her remarkable athletic achievements, as she continues to inspire countless individuals around the world to push their own limits and embrace their inner strength.
Awards:
– 2010 James E. Sullivan Award (Top Amateur Athlete in the United States)
– 2010 ESPN ESPY Award (Top Female Athlete with a Disability in the World)