About Paul

Paul Martin helps companies view adversity as the catalyst for success. He shows us that it's often the perception of adversity that grinds the wheels to a halt - that the struggle is perhaps the key to advancement.

Paul's attitude for optimism started early. In his blue-collar middle-class home town in Massachusetts his teenage lifestyle was far from exemplary. It was his relationship with his hard-drinking, heavy-handed father that taught him to make the most out of the hand you're dealt. At the age of 16, with his "create the solution" attitude, he checked himself into a foster home in pursuit of an environment where he could find comfort.

Several years later, after a stint as a structural steel erector, Paul graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and membership in the discpiline's honor society.

This degree was awarded just six months before a car accident led to the amputation of Paul's left leg five inches below the knee.

Owning the attitude that crosses rough terrain, Paul knew this latest obstacle would be a struggle, yet one he knew he could ultimately conquer. His optimism was the key to winning the battle.

Paul has since competed in ten Ironman Triathlons and currently holds the world record for leg amputees. (At that 2005 record-setting race, he finished 89th out of nearly 2000 able-bodied athletes!) He also won the Disabled Cycling World Championships in 2002 and brought home silver and bronze cycling medals from the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games.

Paul's critically acclaimed memoirs, One Man’s Leg, have inspired thousands around the country and were later published in Japan.

Career Highlights

• Ten-time Ironman finisher and leg amputee World Record Holder - 10:09:17
  
  
• Four-time International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Champio
  
  
• Six-time USA Triathlon National Champion
  
  
• 2005 ESPN’s Espy Awards Nominee for “Best Male Athlete with a Disability”
  
  
• 2004 Competitor Magazine’s Endurance Awards “Challenged Athlete of the Year”
  
  
• 2004 Athens Paralympic Cycling Team – Silver in the team sprint, bronze in the individual pursuit
  
  
• 2004 Boston Marathon – Personal Best, 3:24:49
  
  
• 2002 Disabled Cycling Time Trial World Champion
  
  
• 2001-04 Member of the US Amputee Hockey Team - two time World Championships silver medallists
  
  
• 2001 First leg amputee to participate in an expedition length adventure race – Expedition BVI
  
  
• 2000 Sydney Paralympic Cycling Team – 4th in the kilo, 6th in the pursuit, and 7th in the road race.
  
  
• 1998-99 Member of the US Disabled Alpine Ski Team
  
  
• 1999 First challenged athlete to complete The Double: Ironman Hawaii followed by the XTERRA Off-road Triathlon World Championships a week later in Maui
  
  
• 1997 US Olympic Committee’s Disabled Athlete of the Year

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	Paul's Competition Sponsors
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		A Step Ahead Prosthetics Recognized worldwide as a leader and innovator in prosthetic design. Through ongoing research and development, the staff of A Step Ahead Prosthetics have developed specializations in many areas including prosthetic socket design for lower extremity and upper extremity amputees, pediatric and congenital anomalies, customized sports prosthetics, micro-processor knees and foot and ankle systems, myo-electric prosthetics, bionic prosthetics and the Skin Tones System ™ custom silicone skin coverings. A Step Ahead Prosthetics also supports a team of over 75 athletes in a variety of sports ranging from world record-holding athletes to Junior Team A Step Ahead athletes.
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		Blue Bikes Official Bike of USA Triathlon - Built To Win!
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		Challenged Athletes Foundation It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities to pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
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		The Hartford The Hartford is the founding sponsor of the US Paralympics. Founded in 1810, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) is one of the largest investment and insurance companies in the United States. To millions of our customers -- businesses, groups and individuals -- The Hartford Stag logo is a trusted symbol of dependability.
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		Össur Össur’s goal is to create prosthetics and orthotics that enable people to live the kind of life they want to, a life without limitations. Aware of the challenges you face, we respond, always refining and improving on what exists today.
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		Profile Design Producing the highest quality bicycle components and accessories for athletes of all levels - from the world's best triathletes to those contemplating their first century ride.
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		Rudy Project Rudy Project is a modern, marketing oriented company that has established itself as a leading brand worldwide. Rudy Project designs and manufactures hi-tech sunglasses, goggles, helmets and accessories using the application of science, advanced materials and computer technology to create functional, aesthetically superior and technologically advanced products.
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		Vecchios Sean Bragstad and Peter Chisholm, both local, long term Boulder bicycle mechanics, decided that Boulder needed a bicycle shop that specialized in service and repair. This unique concept distinguishes Vecchio's from other shops, where their service department is an afterthought. Our work area, however, is the centerpiece of our store. You're welcome to watch us fix your machine, ask questions about the work we're doing or have a cup of coffee while enjoying a cycling video in our customer lounge.
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		Xterra Wetsuits Xterra wetsuits are engineered to give triathletes a significant advantage over their competitors. Xterra is the only brand of wetsuits that is tough enough for the Xterra off-road triathlon series and fast enough for world champions.