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RIGSBY SETS IRONMAN WORLD RECORD-
FIRST DOUBLE AMPUTEE TO EVER COMPLETE A FULL IRONMAN ON PROSTHETICS
Irvine, Calif. (October 14, 2007) - Scott Rigsby, a Freedom Innovations Amputee Advocate, did the unthinkable in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii last month. He became the first double amputee to finish an Ironman distance triathlon using prosthetic limbs. Rigsby, 39, of Atlanta, finished the swim portion in 1:28:48, the cycling in 8:19:30, and the marathon in 6:23:33, bringing his total race time to 16:42:46, just ahead of the 17 hour cut-off.
Rigsby completed the race without using modified race equipment such as a hand-cycle or racing wheelchair. In the months leading up to the race, he worked with prosthetist Stephen Schulte of ProCare in Suwanee, GA and prosthetic manufacturer Freedom Innovations of Irvine, CA to develop three sets of custom limbs. Rigsby used "swim legs", custom sockets flattened at the distal end so that he could walk comfortably into the transition area after the 2.4 mile ocean swim. His "bike legs" consisted of a second pair of sockets with modified Senator Prosthetic Feet that clip directly into the pedals, increasing his propriaception and ability to power through the 112 mile distance, not to mention the 100+ degree heat and gusting winds from the Big Island lava fields. Rigsby transitioned into his third and final prostheses, his "run legs" with new sockets outfitted with custom Nitro Prosthetic Feet. He attached two small lights to his sockets and set out to run for over 6 hours in darkness. Along the way, he reminded himself that the race was about more than the world record, this was his chance to show the world what physically challenged athletes are capable of. These are the types of thoughts that pushed Rigsby across the finish line.
Scott Rigsby is used to overcoming major obstacles. At age 18, he was thrown from a truck while working a summer job and dragged over 300 feet under a 3 ton trailer. After losing his right leg, Rigsby endured over 26 surgeries in 10 years before finally deciding to amputate his left leg. Weeks later he tried running but it didn't last. Rigsby spent years fighting depression and pain medicine addiction, before making the commitment that if God opened a door for him, he would go through it. He busted down those doors on his way to history making, setting world records for a below-the-knee double amputee in the International distance triathlon, Half-Ironman, and the Marathon, all within 12 months.
As the accomplishments mounted, so did Rigsby's desire to do the absolute unthinkable and take his mission to the next level. Rigsby would tackle the toughest endurance test of them all, the Ironman, to raise the bar and inspire all challenged athletes to reach beyond their circumstances. On October 13, 2007, Rigsby's journey reached its pinnacle, as he crossed the finish line at 11:43pm, and claimed his place in history.
That's plenty of work in a short time to prove to other challenged athletes that they too can compete and pursue their own personal fitness goals and dreams. To expand his mission worldwide, Rigsby has formed the Scott Rigsby Foundation (501C) designed to inspire, educate and enable amputees and all challenged athletes. Through his efforts, Rigsby remains true to his simple prayer, "maybe they all can look at me and say, you know what? Life is tough, but if this guy can make it, then I can make it." Evidently so, Ironman Rigsby.
About Freedom Innovations:
Freedom Innovations markets advanced technology prosthetic devices to provide amputees with solutions that create "a revolution in motion and freedom of activity." Based in Irvine, CA, Freedom's lower-limb prosthetic products are distributed worldwide. More information is available by calling toll-free (888) 818-6777 or by logging onto www.freedom-innovations.com.
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