The Female Wheelchair Boston Marathon Winner is Kickstarting a Deeply Personal Project
American-bred Olympian Tatyana McFadden won first place in women’s wheelchair in the Boston Marathon today for the second time. In addition to an already-impressive roster of athletic accolades, she wants to use her story to inspire the next generation of marathon competitors.
McFadden is hoping to raise $50,000 to fund her new children’s book and media movement Ya Sama! / I Can Do It!, which she describes as a “series of books, online apps, podcasts, videos and other resources to empower others with the tools necessary to succeed and thrive in their own lives.’’ She’s embarking on the project with two books about her life for different age levels, and an activity book.
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There’s no doubt that McFadden’s origin story is a compelling one – born a Russian orphan with spina bifida in 1989, she was adopted by an American family at six years old and has gone on to win three gold medals in the Paralympics as well as the Boston, Chicago, London and New York marathons in 2013.
Depending on your level of contribution, McFadden is offering all sorts of swag in exchange for patronage, including autographed books, a Skype call with the Boston Marathon winner, or a full workout with her and her trainer at the University of Illinois.
“They say that a journey towards one’s future begins with a single step,’’ McFadden says in her Kickstarter video, “but for me, that first step was different than most.’’
While the Boston Marathon winner has not yet crested the 10 percent mark for her fundraising goal, it’s likely her victory will give the campaign a bump before its conclusion in 37 days. Pitch in to Ya Sama! over here.
Pictures from the 119th Boston Marathon
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