Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez was born with a birth defect called fibular hemimelia. At ten months old, his mother faced the tough decision to amputate his leg. She was unsure if she was making the right decision for her son, but Robert is thankful she did. Due to his amputation and wearing a prosthetic, he is proud to show others that he, and all amputees, are capable of doing the same things as any other able-bodied individual.

Today, Robert is a father, a husband, a motivational speaker, and an athlete. He competes on the Para-Elite Triathlon Team for Team USA and Team USA for amputee soccer. The trials and tribulations Robert has had to mentally and physically overcome as a young man has taught him to always push through no matter the circumstances. Through his experiences, he has learned that sometimes things aren’t as bad as they seem, and success is on the other side if we continue to work hard.

Massimo Giandinoto

When Massimo was 9, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on his left heel and it was decided a month later that the limb had to be amputated immediately. Despite this, he spent a lot of time doing sports like running and pararafting. In 2018 he won the Italian Championship for both the 60-meter and the 200-meter indoor and he was contacted by the Italian Rafting Federation. Sports have always been a fundamental part of his life. It’s what saved him, making him feel like he fits in with everybody else.

Daniela Pecinová

Daniela lost her right leg after a tumor was discovered there when she was 16 years old. Now Daniela is proving she is a fighter. After starting pole dancing – Para pole – she became the world champion in 2016. ALPS liners allow her to wear her prosthesis all day long, keeping Daniela comfortable as she goes about her daily activities.