Marlon Shirley (born April 21, 1978)[1][2] is a paralympic athlete gold medalist from the United States competing mainly in category T44 events. He has been called the "fastest amputee in the world".[3] He is known for being the first lower extremity amputee to break the 11 second barrier in the 100 meters.[4] He has held world records in the 100M, the Long Jump, High Jump and the 200M.[4][3]
Biography
At the age of five, Marlon was taken into state care by social services after living on the streets of Las Vegas.[5] Marlon's early life was spent in foster care around Las Vegas. While living in an orphanage in Boulder City, Nevada, he was involved in a lawnmower accident which resulted in his left foot amputation. His life was turned around at the age of nine when he was adopted by a family in Tremonton, Utah.[6]
Marlon's track and field athleticism was discovered in February 1997 at the Simplot Games in Pocatello, Idaho. This turning point in his life was made even more remarkable because Marlon attended the event with a fractured leg bone. At the event, Marlon competed in the high jump, where he amazed Paralympic Coach Bryan Hoddle when he was able to break the 6’6" mark, beating the existing Paralympic record, all while jumping on one foot. Following the Simplot games, Hoddle invited Marlon to a Disabled Sports USA track meet, where Marlon cleared the high jump world record, and once again, and won $13,000 in prize money. He was subsequently invited by Hoddle to train in Olympia, Washington, as a paralympic athlete. Marlon has competed internationally in track and field events.[5][7]
Marlon Shirley went on to compete in the 2000 Summer Paralympics long jump, the high jump- in which he obtained a silver medal, and in the 100m, where he made his mark by winning the gold medal. He was able to defend his 100m title in 2004 Summer Paralympics where he also competed and won a silver in the 200m, and a bronze in long jump. He competed in just the 100m at the 2008 Summer Paralympics, after battling several injuries and surgeries, but was unable to defend his title, due to a ruptured Achilles mid-race.[8][9] Nevertheless, even with a ruptured Achilles, he crossed the finish line.[9]
Marlon has "helped design and test prosthetics, pushing the limits of tech that has gone on to help veterans and create a better everyday walking foot for amputees".[10] Marlon has been able to make "a lasting impact on people with disabilities" and is an inspiration to many.[9] He has been a role model in changing perspectives of definitions of disabilities.[10]
