“I’d say it was a pretty solid year."
November 4, 2013 8:51 AM Subscribe
Yesterday, Tatyana McFadden, a ten-time Paralympic track medalist, became the first athlete in history to win the "Grand Slam" of marathon racing, having won the 2013 women's wheelchair athlete divisions in Boston, London, Chicago and now New York.
McFadden was born in Russia and adopted from an orphanage at age 6. She was born with spina bifida. When her adoptive parents met Tatyana, the 5-year-old had already taught herself to walk on her hands.
“That is my dream,” McFadden said. “I want to educate others, inspire others — [to show] there are no other limitations in life. . . . I want to leave that behind.”
McFadden was born in Russia and adopted from an orphanage at age 6. She was born with spina bifida. When her adoptive parents met Tatyana, the 5-year-old had already taught herself to walk on her hands.
“That is my dream,” McFadden said. “I want to educate others, inspire others — [to show] there are no other limitations in life. . . . I want to leave that behind.”
Go Illini!
posted by gyc at 10:52 AM on November 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by gyc at 10:52 AM on November 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
Yow. That's some mad athletic skills and serious dedication.
posted by rmd1023 at 11:23 AM on November 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by rmd1023 at 11:23 AM on November 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
I saw a story about her on NBC Nightly News last week. Inspiring. A hearty congratulations to her!
posted by IvoShandor at 1:12 PM on November 4, 2013
posted by IvoShandor at 1:12 PM on November 4, 2013
McFadden is awesome.
But I heard something that really bothered me this morning. I had the Today Show on. I only ever have the Today Show on when I'm traveling and in a hotel room. I've been trying to switch to CBS, but force of habit. I don't even watch morning TV at home. Whatever.
Anyway, they were talking about the marathon, and the script went along the lines of "the men's and women's divisions were both won by Kenyans. The women's wheelchair division was won by American Tatyana McFadden." Segue into extended story about McFadden. The Kenyans didn't even get (no doubt difficult-to-pronounce) names.
posted by mr_roboto at 4:03 PM on November 4, 2013
But I heard something that really bothered me this morning. I had the Today Show on. I only ever have the Today Show on when I'm traveling and in a hotel room. I've been trying to switch to CBS, but force of habit. I don't even watch morning TV at home. Whatever.
Anyway, they were talking about the marathon, and the script went along the lines of "the men's and women's divisions were both won by Kenyans. The women's wheelchair division was won by American Tatyana McFadden." Segue into extended story about McFadden. The Kenyans didn't even get (no doubt difficult-to-pronounce) names.
posted by mr_roboto at 4:03 PM on November 4, 2013
Actually, Geoffrey Mutai and Priscah Jeptoo are both super easy to pronounce :)
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 4:35 PM on November 4, 2013
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 4:35 PM on November 4, 2013
It doesn't bother me that an American TV station wants to focus on the American winner.
posted by gyc at 5:03 PM on November 4, 2013
posted by gyc at 5:03 PM on November 4, 2013
McFadden is awesome.
What she inspires in me is awe. This is a tremendous athletic achievement for anyone in any sport of any ability. Staggering.
But I heard something that really bothered me this morning.
What? The Today Show actually recognizing a newsworthy story?
Neither of the Kenyans did anything like winning FOUR MAJOR MARATHON races IN THE SAME YEAR and if McFadden got all of the attention it's because, disabled or not, white or not, female or not, she bloody well earned it as an athlete.
McFadden won the women's wheelchair division for the 2013:
Boston Marathon on April 15 in 1.45
London Marathon on April 21 in a course record 1.46 (SIX days after winning Boston)
Chicago Marathon on 14 Oct in 1.42 another course record
New York Marathon - which is rather unfriendly for wheelchairs - on 3 Nov in 1.59
(The world record for women is still Paula Radcliffe's 2.15.)
Major huge props to the athlete in the wheelchair.
posted by three blind mice at 5:25 AM on November 5, 2013
What she inspires in me is awe. This is a tremendous athletic achievement for anyone in any sport of any ability. Staggering.
But I heard something that really bothered me this morning.
What? The Today Show actually recognizing a newsworthy story?
Neither of the Kenyans did anything like winning FOUR MAJOR MARATHON races IN THE SAME YEAR and if McFadden got all of the attention it's because, disabled or not, white or not, female or not, she bloody well earned it as an athlete.
McFadden won the women's wheelchair division for the 2013:
Boston Marathon on April 15 in 1.45
London Marathon on April 21 in a course record 1.46 (SIX days after winning Boston)
Chicago Marathon on 14 Oct in 1.42 another course record
New York Marathon - which is rather unfriendly for wheelchairs - on 3 Nov in 1.59
(The world record for women is still Paula Radcliffe's 2.15.)
Major huge props to the athlete in the wheelchair.
posted by three blind mice at 5:25 AM on November 5, 2013
« Older "Degenerate Art" found in man's house. | A Better Wayback Machine Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by GenjiandProust at 8:58 AM on November 4, 2013