“What inspires me is seeing someone who doesn’t have the nature talent to excel in their given sport or endeavor but who, through hard work and determination, reach an elite level or accomplish their goal.”

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Tony Volpentest is a four-time Paralympic gold medalist and five-time world champion sprinter. He was a 2012 nominee for the Olympic Hall of Fame and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Team USA Ambassador Program. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including the United States Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year, Sports Star of the Year, and Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year. He has served as the national spokesman for Shriners Hospitals, and has been featured on radio and TV talk shows around the globe. He has established the Helping Others Live Determined Foundation to help amputees realize their dreams.

MO: Where did your early desire to run come from, against all odds?

Tony: I started running as a way to get more involved with my HS and to meet people as the transition from a small middle school to a large HS was a little overwhelming.

MO: What kind of support did you receive early on? How important was that support to maintaining a sense of determination, drive and courage?

Tony: I received tremendous support early on from both my family and my coaches and classmates. Although I was determined to stick with it just for the experiences, I believe the support helped to propel me towards the Paralympics.

MO: As someone who is so familiar with the pressures of training and competing, what are your thoughts on hearing about Usain Bolt’s injuries at the recent trails?

Tony: Injuries are an unfortunate part of all competitive athletics. Regarding Usain Bolt – He’s so exciting to watch and he’s really helping to propel track and field to another level. It would be disappointing to see him not able to compete at his best.

MO: Can you talk a little about the process behind writing your recent book, “The Fastest Man in the World – the Tony Volpentest Story?” What do you hope the average reader walks away with?

Tony: This book, my story, has been a labor of love. I hope the reader walks away with the notion that we all have greatness within us and that bringing out that greatness is all about overcoming or own perceived limitations.

MO: You established the Helping Others Live Determined Foundation to help amputees realize their dreams. What kind of resources does the Foundation offer and do you have any specific success stories that you’ve been particularly moved by?

Tony: As the Foundation is still in its infancy there have been no official beneficiaries of its efforts. There is, however, a great story in my book about a little boy who helped inspire the birth of the foundation. Through the sharing of knowledge with his mother this little boy is not getting prosthetics built that are more suitable to his activity level and less limiting than his former “legs”.

MO: You’ve served as an inspiration for so many people around the world. Who or what inspires you?

Tony: What inspires me is seeing someone who doesn’t have the nature talent to excel in their given sport or endeavor but who, through hard work and determination, reach an elite level or accomplish their goal.

MO: What would your advice be to someone who feels that they are facing an insurmountable challenge?

Tony: As I stated earlier they just need to realize that there is greatness in all of us and that must reach beyond their own perceived limitations to tap into that greatness. It’s also important that they understand the road is not easily traveled but that they need to take baby steps and stay vigilant to find the successes they are working toward.