One Man's Leg: A Memoir - Softcover

Paul Martin

3.52

33 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0967185157 ISBN 13: 9780967185156

Publisher: GreyCore Press, 2002

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As a kid, athletic competition provided some relief from an otherwise difficult childhood. Later, living in a foster home, it was the stage on which to gain attention that didn't seem to be available elsewhere. But it was only at the age of 25, when he had lost a part of the very thing he relied on most to compete (specifically, the lower half of his left leg), that Paul Martin made his commitment--and went on to become a world champion triathlete and Paralympic competitor.

ONE MAN'S LEG is the story of Paul Martin's life to date--and what a life it has been. Whether the passage is laugh-out-loud funny, fiercely heartbreaking or gently thought provoking, few readers will fail to be captivated by Paul Martin's adventures--and misadventures! Things just happen to Paul: storms form out of the blue when he is sailing; culprits steal his bike when his back is turned, and they break into his car while he is ensconced in his highest moment--completing his first ever marathon. While insurance companies are willing to help him acquire a leg to stand on, they balk every time he needs one to run on. And he seems to be accident prone--even after the accident that claimed his limb. As one observer puts it, "There are two kinds of people in the world--those who like to dance with gravity and those who don't."

But Paul Martin has a very special gift--and it is in addition to his athletic prowess and his ability to write honestly, fluidly and at a pace that makes it impossible not to want to turn the page: when life hands Paul Martin lemons, he makes lemonade. Reading ONE MAN'S LEG, the reader can't help but want to make lemonade too. And though the book is never didactic, the recipe is there for anyone who wants it, lurking between the lines, evident in Paul's good humor and in every choice he makes.

Paul's endurance and determination are off the charts--as are those of the "badasses" he runs (and swims, skis, bikes and plays hockey) with. To read ONE MAN'S LEG is to experience the life of an athlete vicariously, to learn to redefine "disability" (or is it "this ability?"),to learn the true meaning of team spirit, and to come to love the finish line, as it applies to each of us and no matter how far off we fear it might be. What an inspiration! What a celebration of life! What a pleasure it is to get to know Paul Martin intimately in these pages!

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From the Publisher:

ONE MAN'S LEG is the story of world champion triathlete and Paralympic cyclist Paul Martin's life to date--and what a life it has been. Alternately funny, heartbreaking and thought provoking, few readers will fail to be captivated by Paul Martin's adventures--and misadventures! To read ONE MAN'S LEG is to experience the life of an athlete vicariously, to redefine "disability" (or is it "this ability?"), to learn the true meaning of team spirit, and to come to love the finish line, as it applies to each of us and no matter how far off we fear it might be.

About the Author:

In 1992, just six months after earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts/Lowell, a car accident claimed Paul s left leg below the knee. This challenge served as a catalyst to test his physical abilities. He has since competed in ten Ironman Triathlons and holds the world record for leg amputees. He is also a four-time ITU triathlon world champion, the 2002 IPC cycling time trial world champion and a two-time Paralympic medalist as a member of the US Cycling Team. Career Highlights 10-time Ironman finisher and world record holder 10:09:17 Four time triathlon world champ, three time runner up. Six time triathlon national champ. 2007 Eagleman 70.3 (Half Ironman) Personal Best, 4:41:44. 1998-2006 Member of the US Paralympic Cycling Team. 2005 Bolder Boulder 10k road race 39:18, personal best 2005 ESPN s Espy Awards Nominee for Best Male Athlete with a Disability. 2004 Athens Paralympic Cycling Team Silver and bronze. 2004 Silver Strand Half Marathon/Leg Amputee National Championships Silver with a Personal Best of 1:28:04. 2004 Boston Marathon Personal Best, 3:24:49. 2002 Disabled Cycling Time Trial World Champion. 2001-04 Member of the US Amputee Hockey Team. 2001 First leg amputee to participate in an expedition length adventure race Expedition BVI. 2000 Sydney Paralympic Cycling Team 1998-99 Member of the US Disabled Alpine Ski Team.

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