Eric McElvenny

Started: He competed in his first triathlon six months after walking for the first time following his amputation. (challengedathletes.org, 18 Jun 2020) Reason: While he was in hospital, a friend challenged him to run a marathon. "He knew what would inspire me. He knew I needed a challenge." Rather than take up marathon running, he opted to train for an Ironman triathlon. "In my head, I wanted to challenge myself with the hardest thing I could think of. At the time, it was that Ironman. I chose that not because I thought I was going to be able to do it. It was because I thought there was a chance I wasn't going to be able to do it. I wanted a challenge, I wanted to push myself." (Global Triathlon Network YouTube channel, 23 Jun 2019; espn.com, 12 May 2015) Ambition: To win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (gofundme.com, 12 Feb 2024) Additional Info: MILITARY SERVICE He began serving in the United States Marine Corps in 2006 and was deployed overseas three times before sustaining his injuries in 2011. "I decided I wanted to be a marine when I was growing up. In 2006 I was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. I became an infantry officer after about a year of training. We ended up doing three deployments. I did one to Southeast Asia, I did a deployment to the Middle East, and my third one was a deployment to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. Being military is something that was near and dear to my heart. I got to serve our country in combat and now I get to represent our country in athletic uniform." (koaa.com, 09 Aug 2021; challengedathletes.org, 18 Jun 2020; Global Triathlon Network YouTube channel, 23 Jun 2019; LinkedIn profile, 31 Mar 2015; espn.com, 12 May 2015) OTHER ACTIVITIES He has worked as a motivational speaker. "After running at an Ironman triathlon event, people asked me if I could share my story with their groups. People enjoyed it, and I realised it was inspiring others to tackle their challenges. So I kept doing it. I love meeting new people, and I get to speak to and spend time with some of the best audiences. I really love it when someone stays in touch and reaches out to me with questions, or to share with me that they reached one of their own goals. That warms my heart." (Facebook page, 06 Aug 2021; hfcc.edu, 24 Sep 2019; ericmcelvenny.com, 02 Feb 2018; LinkedIn profile, 31 Mar 2015)