Jim MacLaren

James E. MacLaren was 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.
MacLaren was born on 13 April 1963. He was a standout athlete in football and lacrosse at Yale University. Even before attending Yale, he was a leading athlete at Vermont Academy. In 1985, at the age of 22, MacLaren lost his left leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident, and required defibrillation. He recovered, and went on to run a marathon in 3 hours and 16 minutes, and to finish the Ironman Hawaii in 10 hours and 42 minutes.
In 1993, during the Orange County Triathlon, MacLaren was struck by a van during the bike portion of the race and collided with a signpost, rendering him a quadriplegic.
MacLaren'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 fundraising efforts exceeded the necessary amount, leading to the establishment of the Challenged [Athletes Foundation] to support other disabled athletes.
Once again, MacLaren recovered, and used a wheelchair. He later worked as a motivational speaker and author.
He was awarded the Arthur [Ashe Courage Award] at the 2005 ESPY Awards presentation. He died on August 31, 2010, in his sleep.