“How far you fall doesn’t determine who you are. It’s how hard you work to get back up.”
These are the words of sophomore John Tartaglio, who will compete in the New York Marathon on Sunday.
Competing in a marathon is no easy task for anyone, but it is even more remarkable for Tartaglio, who lost both of his legs two years ago to a massive infection.
He has taken part in several road races and triathlons, according to his Web site, www.johntartaglio.com, but Sunday will mark his first attempt at a race of this magnitude.
To complete the 26.2 miles Tartaglio will be using a hand cycle, similar to a bicycle. It is a low-rider with three wheels and a hand-crank.
When he first purchased the cycle the salesman asked if he had ever considered competing in a marathon, according to the Connecticut Post.
“It seemed like a good idea,” Tartaglio said. “So I decided to give it a try.”
In August 2004, Tartaglio was diagnosed with a rare bacterial infection that only 34 people in history have ever had, his Web site says.
Though he was said to have a 20 percent chance of survival, Tartaglio overcame the infection. However, he lost both legs and his left bicep in emergency surgery.
Two months of intensive rehabilitation allowed him to walk again despite doctors’ predictions that he would never be able to do so.
Tartaglio works out by weight training, swimming, cycling, walking or running five times a week in order to maintain his strength and endurance. It is this dedication that has helped to prepare him for Sunday’s race.
Besides being a full-time student and training for high-endurance sporting events, Tartaglio has appeared on Oprah and has started a scholarship fund for high school students.
He also gives motivational speeches around New England.
The New York City Marathon is a 36-year-old tradition that draws over 90,000 runners and 2 million spectators annually, according to the marathon’s Web site.
Despite facing so much opposition, Tartaglio remains optimistic.
“I’ve had a different experience in life than some people,” he told the Connecticut Post. “It was an experience most people probably would have had a difficult time dealing with. I think I handled it OK.”
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