KELLY BRUNO. AMPUTEE. ATHLETE. ACHIEVER.
Kelly was born with a rare birth defect that forced the amputation of her right let
below the knee when she was only 6 months old. Undeterred, Kelly quickly set
out to enjoy a life full of activity and athletics. Today, Kelly has competed in and
finished 3 Ironmans, 3 Half Ironmans, and a myriad of shorter distance triathlons
including 3 ITU World Triathlon Championship events. As in athletics Kelly also
has high career and volunteer aspirations. She graduated from Duke University
and is currently applying to medical school. She also volunteers regularly with
the Wounded Warrior Project and the Triangle Amputee Support Group.
Kelly was born with a rare birth defect that forced the amputation of her right let
below the knee when she was only 6 months old. Undeterred, Kelly quickly set
out to enjoy a life full of activity and athletics. Today, Kelly has competed in and
finished 3 Ironmans, 3 Half Ironmans, and a myriad of shorter distance triathlons
including 3 ITU World Triathlon Championship events. As in athletics Kelly also
has high career and volunteer aspirations. She graduated from Duke University
and is currently applying to medical school. She also volunteers regularly with
the Wounded Warrior Project and the Triangle Amputee Support Group.
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UPDATES
I set a new Ironman Personal Best at Beach 2 Battleship in
12:29:03. View photos here
New photos posted from the Honky Tonk Challenge Soldier Ride
If you are an amputee, be sure to check out my resources page
New blog articles posted regularly
UPCOMING EVENTS
Reindeer Romp - 12.13.08
Honky Tonk Challenge Soldier Ride - 11.7-9.08
I set a new Ironman Personal Best at Beach 2 Battleship in
12:29:03. View photos here
New photos posted from the Honky Tonk Challenge Soldier Ride
If you are an amputee, be sure to check out my resources page
New blog articles posted regularly
UPCOMING EVENTS
Reindeer Romp - 12.13.08
Honky Tonk Challenge Soldier Ride - 11.7-9.08
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| SPONSORS & TEAMS |
| PHOTOS |
Breaking New Ground as the First Disabled U.S. Open Ballperson
Kelly Bruno was born with a birth defect. At
the age of six months old, her right leg was
amputated below the knee. At nine months
old, she was fitted with her first prosthesis.
And at 13 months old, she was already
walking with it.
Early in her life, Kelly decided that her
prosthetic limb would not be a deterrent
to an active, achievement-based lifestyle. In
high school, she became one of the fastest
runners on her cross-country team,
averaging ub-seven minute miles, and
placing in the top four on her team.
At the age of 23, Kelly has already competed
in and finished two Ironman competitions,
three Half Ironmans and a series of
multi-distance triathlons. “It’s kind of cliché,”
says Kelly, “but I can’t quit. That four-letter
word really doesn’t exist in my vocabulary.”
She proved that spirit on the Uwharrie
Mountain Run, a race defined by its rocky
and hilly terrain. Many were surprised that
she took on such a challenge. And while she
raced well, unbeknownst to her, a bolt had
been loosening in her prosthesis throughout
the distance of the arduous course. About
200 meters from the finish, she took a step
and wiped out. When she got back up, she
realized that her prosthesis was completely
useless. But the finish was a short downhill,
the age of six months old, her right leg was
amputated below the knee. At nine months
old, she was fitted with her first prosthesis.
And at 13 months old, she was already
walking with it.
Early in her life, Kelly decided that her
prosthetic limb would not be a deterrent
to an active, achievement-based lifestyle. In
high school, she became one of the fastest
runners on her cross-country team,
averaging ub-seven minute miles, and
placing in the top four on her team.
At the age of 23, Kelly has already competed
in and finished two Ironman competitions,
three Half Ironmans and a series of
multi-distance triathlons. “It’s kind of cliché,”
says Kelly, “but I can’t quit. That four-letter
word really doesn’t exist in my vocabulary.”
She proved that spirit on the Uwharrie
Mountain Run, a race defined by its rocky
and hilly terrain. Many were surprised that
she took on such a challenge. And while she
raced well, unbeknownst to her, a bolt had
been loosening in her prosthesis throughout
the distance of the arduous course. About
200 meters from the finish, she took a step
and wiped out. When she got back up, she
realized that her prosthesis was completely
useless. But the finish was a short downhill,
and she didn’t want to stop at that point. So
she literally hopped 150 meters on one leg
until collapsing, and then she crawled the
remaining 50 meters. Onlookers were
shocked to see her finish, literally on
hands and knees, bleeding and exhausted,
but determined.
It’s that dedication and motivation that Kelly
brings to work with organizations such as the
Wounded Warrior Project, a program built to
honor and empower severely injured
servicemen and women. Kelly is a powerful
example of how incredible life can be, even
after such a jarring loss. She also donates
her time to the Triangle Amputee Support
Group, acting as a source of constant
positive support. Kelly’s take? “I’m not an
underdog because of my leg. It’s just an
obstacle; everyone has their own obstacles.
Whatever yours is, just don’t quit.”
One of Charlie Engle’s favorite quotes
by author Marianne Williamson pretty
much sums up the mindsets of these
incredible individuals: “Our deepest fear is
not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear
is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is
our light, not our darkness that most
frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to
be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’
Actually, who are you not to be?”
she literally hopped 150 meters on one leg
until collapsing, and then she crawled the
remaining 50 meters. Onlookers were
shocked to see her finish, literally on
hands and knees, bleeding and exhausted,
but determined.
It’s that dedication and motivation that Kelly
brings to work with organizations such as the
Wounded Warrior Project, a program built to
honor and empower severely injured
servicemen and women. Kelly is a powerful
example of how incredible life can be, even
after such a jarring loss. She also donates
her time to the Triangle Amputee Support
Group, acting as a source of constant
positive support. Kelly’s take? “I’m not an
underdog because of my leg. It’s just an
obstacle; everyone has their own obstacles.
Whatever yours is, just don’t quit.”
One of Charlie Engle’s favorite quotes
by author Marianne Williamson pretty
much sums up the mindsets of these
incredible individuals: “Our deepest fear is
not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear
is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is
our light, not our darkness that most
frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to
be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’
Actually, who are you not to be?”
World Changers by Tamara Lackey in RANGEFINDER Sept 2008