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.

Giuseppe Castellano

On February 16, 2020, Giuseppe was involved in a severe motorcycle accident that resulted in the transfemoral amputation of his left leg. Before the accident, he was already a passionate athlete and practiced two disciplines: freediving, where he had achieved a Level 2 certification and an assistant instructor qualification, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Despite the challenges posed by his new condition, Giuseppe has continued to dedicate himself to both of his passions, adapting with great willpower and determination.

His resilience has not only allowed him to remain active in what he loves, but it has also made him an example for others, inspiring those who share these disciplines with him and giving strength to his family, who support him in this new chapter of his life.

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.