Amy Purdy

Amy Purdy - PopTech 2012 - Narrow

Amy Purdy is an American snowboarder, motivational speaker, and author. Born on November 7, 1979, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Purdy has become an inspiration to many for her resilience and achievements in the face of adversity. At the age of 19, she contracted Neisseria meningitidis, a form of bacterial meningitis, which led to the amputation of both of her legs below the knee. Despite this life-changing event, Purdy has gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields, including adaptive snowboarding, where she has won multiple medals in the Paralympic Games.

Early Life

Amy Purdy grew up in Las Vegas, where she was active in snowboarding from a young age. Her passion for the sport was evident, and she aspired to make it a significant part of her life. However, her trajectory changed dramatically at 19 when she was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, a severe infection that threatened her life and ultimately resulted in the loss of both her legs below the knee.

Career

Adaptive Snowboarding

After her recovery, Purdy did not let her disability deter her from pursuing her passion for snowboarding. She adapted to using prosthetic legs and became one of the leading figures in adaptive sports, particularly in snowboarding. Purdy has competed in the Paralympic Games, securing medals and becoming an influential figure in the sport. Her achievements have not only contributed to the visibility of adaptive sports but have also inspired many individuals facing similar challenges.

Motivational Speaking

Purdy's journey from illness to becoming a Paralympic medalist has made her a sought-after motivational speaker. She shares her story of overcoming adversity, resilience, and the power of positive thinking with audiences around the world. Her speeches aim to motivate others to face challenges head-on and to believe in their ability to overcome obstacles.

Author

In addition to her sporting achievements and motivational speaking, Amy Purdy has authored a book titled "On My Own Two Feet: From Losing My Legs to Learning the Dance of Life," where she shares her personal story and the lessons she has learned along the way. The book serves as an inspiration to many, offering insights into dealing with life's challenges and finding strength in adversity.

Personal Life

Purdy is also known for her participation in the popular television show Dancing with the Stars, where she showcased her dancing skills and finished as a runner-up. Her performance on the show was widely praised for its creativity and for highlighting the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Legacy and Impact

Amy Purdy's impact extends beyond her achievements in sports and entertainment. She is a co-founder of Adaptive Action Sports, a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing people with physical disabilities to action sports. Through her work with this organization, Purdy has helped to create opportunities for disabled individuals to engage in sports and physical activities, promoting inclusivity and empowerment.

See Also

• Adaptive sports
• Paralympic Games
• Motivational speaking