At the ING New York City Marathon on November 1, 2009 Tartaglio, 22, became the first bilateral full-leg amputee to complete a marathon without the aid of a wheelchair.
On August 22, 2004 Tartaglio, then 17 years old, was diagnosed with a rare bacterial infection that only affected 35 people in medical history. To save his life, doctors had no choice but to amputate both legs and left bicep that same night. Tartaglio survived and was only given a 20-percent chance to live. He was told he would never walk again.
In only five years from what some would consider debilitating news, Tartaglio has become a role model of perseverance. Through rigorous workouts, he is able to compete in triathlons, road races and cycling events. In the fall of 2005, Tartaglio enrolled at Fairfield University and graduated last year.
Tartaglio is also the first bilateral full-leg amputee -- in history -- to run and complete 5k and 10k races. In 2006, he competed in the ING New York City Marathon, in the hand-cycling division, finishing 30th in 2 hours 12 minutes 12 seconds. John has also competed in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon, consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run.
"My dedication and perseverance are driven by the all the great people I have supporting me," Tartaglio told StrengthUSA.com. "My family and friends have helped me realize how many things are possible and [to know] that I can accomplish my goals."
