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The uplifting true story of Minda Dentler, the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship triathlon...
Minda Dentler made history when she became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the world's toughest triathlon, using only her arms to finish a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile marathon. But the journey there wasn't easy. Minda was paralyzed as an infant in India after contracting polio and was left in the care of an orphanage. After she was adopted by an American family and moved to Washington, she underwent surgeries to enable her to walk with leg braces and crutches.
As she grew, she faced many challenges, but remained undeterred by her disability. Her decision to begin training and competing in triathlons was no different. Despite the obstacles and failures she experienced along the way, Minda's persistence and determination in the face of setbacks helped her to make sports history and inspire people around the world to rethink what's possible!
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Meet the Author
Minda Dentler’s life is one of inspiration, courage, and determination; she will have you on your feet ready to face your personal Ironman and set even higher goals. As an infant in India, Minda contracted polio, resulting in the paralysis of her legs, and was left in the care of an orphanage. Adopted by an American family, she moved to Spokane, Washington and underwent a series of surgeries on her hips, legs and back, which enabled her to walk with leg braces and crutches. Undeterred by her disability, she became an independent, educated woman with an intention and drive to face and overcome the many obstacles she has encountered throughout her life.
Minda's story is a powerful reminder that our beginnings do not dictate our endings. Her transition from feeling isolated and different as a child with a disability in Spokane, Washington, to standing on the global stage as an Ironman champion and advocate for polio awareness is a narrative that resonates with everyone facing their battles. Minda's ability to redefine her limitations and achieve what seemed impossible serves as an inspiration to us all. Her journey teaches us that with determination, support, and a relentless spirit, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.
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Background Information
What is polio?
Polio is a disease that attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis. Polio mainly affects children under age give. While there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine that prevents polio.
Minda Dentler is on a mission to end polio, the disease she contracted as a baby in India. She is a global health advocate, educating people around the world about the disease. She has a daughter and was able to get her vaccinated against polio. With just a shot, her daughter will never have to live with paralysis by polio.
Polio once paralyzed more than one thousand children worldwide every day in 1988. Since then, more than 2.5 billion children have been immunized against polio and the world is closer than ever to ending the disease. Despite this incredible progress, we must work hard to ensure every child has access to the lifesaving polio vaccine.
What is the Ironman World Championship?
Judy and John Collins organized the first Ironman triathlon in Oahu, Hawaii, in 1978, with the goal of creating a race for endurance athletes. The winner of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run was called an "Ironman."
In 1981, the race moved to Kona, Hawaii, and later became known as the "Ironman World Championship." With its legendary race conditions, grueling length, and TV coverage, it is known as one of the most difficult single-day endurance sporting events in the world.
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