We kicked 2016 off just the way we wanted to — With stories of athletes turning tragedy into triumph.
Have a look at our top 5 stories from January:
5. Retired Marine Capt. Eric McElvenny Now Decorated Amputee Ironman
In December of 2011, during his final tour in Afghanistan, McElvenny was injured on a routine patrol when he stepped on an improvised explosion device. His wounds from the explosion were so severe that they resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. It was an injury which ended his service in the Marine Corps, and at first, he was unsure of what his future would hold. That’s when the idea for an Ironman triathlon jumped into his head.
Jeremy Poincenot golfs better than most sighted people. Photo: 92130 Magazine
“My wife is terrified of contact football to the point where she can’t watch it anymore,” Cribbs said. “My wife can’t even stomach me showing her highlights of my games.”
So knowing that, what’s a father to do when his 6-year-old son wants to play the same sport that’s so synonymous with head trauma?
3. World Blind Golf Champion Jeremy Poincenot Turned Tragedy Into Triumph
The 26-year-old San Diego native and avid golfer went from 20/20 vision to legally blind in a span of two months. Yet, he didn’t give up on his sport. In fact, he went blind at 19 years old, and by 20, he was the World Blind Golf Champion thanks to a thrilling and aptly-timed chip-in on a playoff hole.
2. North Texas Breeds Young, Talented Golfers: Noah Goodwin, Next in Line
Noah Goodwin came out of the birth canal with more focus and competitive spirit than most of us muster up in a lifetime. He was born with a hormone deficiency, so he was smaller than the other kids. But, what Noah lacked in stature, he made up for in perseverance, discipline, and an uncanny ability to dream big. Those qualities may one day propel this now 15-year-old to the top of a PGA leaderboard.
1.Pastor To Give 26.2-Minute Mass, Then Will Run 26.2 Miles In Louisiana Marathon
“There will probably be a running clock up somewhere up in the sanctuary just for fun,” Alello said. “We’re shooting for around 30 minutes. If I nail a 26.2-minute mass, it’s gonna be a good day.”
