Photo courtesy of Kelli King-Tanghe
Our most read stories from October saw all kinds of barriers being broken. Have a look:
On the full contact roller derby battleground, Micki Krimmel tries to outperform other women on opposing teams in every race. Off the rink, however, she hopes to succeed by bringing women together through a common goal.
As a member of the world-ranked team, Angel City Derby, and an avid CrossFit participant, Krimmel has pursued an athletic lifestyle worthy of sharing with others.
A natural entrepreneur, she had worked with a series of small startups throughout her career, but in 2014, she knew she wanted to pursue a business venture that specifically incorporated her passion for both fitness and empowerment.
4. The First Mother-Daughter ‘Duo Team’ Conquers The Chicago Marathon
Team Ari is their name. Making disabilities disappear is their game.
On October 9, 2016, Kelli Tanghe, and her 16-year-old daughter, Arianna, became the first mother-daughter duo team to ever finish the Chicago Marathon.
With Ari keeping morale high in her special racing chair, Kelli pushed over 160 pounds on a couple of near-flat tires for 26.2 miles to hit the finish line in 5 hours, 57 minutes, 32 seconds.
3. Florida Teen Who Has Autism Becomes Star Athlete, Special Olympics Ambassador
At six-foot-four, Thomas Shervington was born to play basketball. And tennis. And softball. And soccer. And golf. And bocce.
The reason extends well beyond his size and athleticism, however. Through sports and the Special Olympics, the 19-year-old from Tampa, Florida has found his voice. Literally.
Diagnosed with autism at three years old, Shervington couldn’t string sentences together until six years ago when his parents encouraged him to join the Special Olympics.
2. How A Blind Triathlete And His Guide Took On The 2016 IRONMAN World Championship
When you think of an Ironman race, you think massive individual effort, not necessarily “team sport.”
For Michael Somsan and Dominic Bernardo, completing a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run is done, and celebrated, in tandem.
Somsan, 46, a former first lieutenant in the US Army, completely lost his vision in 1995 when he was shot in the head while trying to break up a fight. Bernardo, 34, an equally impressive athlete, functions as his eyes. Together, they recently crossed the finish line of the legendary 2016 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.
1. Shirin Gerami Becomes First Ever Female From Iran To Finish The IRONMAN World Championship
Crossing the finish line in 13:11:07, Shirin Gerami just became the first woman from Iran to compete in and finish the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.
She swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles, and ran 26.2 miles all while respecting the regulations her country enforces, requiring women to be covered at all times in public settings.
