Achilles Athletes Take the Podium at Boston Marathon

FIRST PLACE FINISHES IN THE HANDCYCLE DIVISION AND AWARDS IN PARA ATHLETICS DIVISION

Achilles athletes from across the globe raced and placed in the 125th Boston Marathon held on October 11, 2021. It had been 30 months since the marathon was last held in person due to the pandemic.

Retired U.S. Marine Sergeant Zach Stinson, Achilles Freedom Team, placed first in the Men’s Handcycle division at 1:11:53 while Wendy Larsen, Achilles Houston, placed first in the Women’s Handcycle division at 1:37:15.

See Zach and Wendy featured in Boston Magazine and KPRC-TV.

Wendy Larsen with her BAA Award and BAA leadership.

Zach Stinson receiving his BAA award

Achilles athlete Irwin Ramirez with his medal and support guides.

Achilles athletes were also awarded prizes from the Boston Athletic Association in the Para Athletics Division:

Adam Popp, Achilles Freedom Team, placed second in the Men’s Para T61-T64 (lower limb impairment)
Irwin Ramirez, Achilles D.C., placed third in the Men’s Para T11/T12 (vision impairment)
Eric Strong, Achilles Charlotte, placed fourth in the Men’s Para T11/T12 (vision impairment)

Achilles had 28 participants in the marathon including athletes from our Charlotte, Colombia, Connecticut, Houston, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York and Queens chapters and 16 Achilles Freedom Team veterans. The Achilles Freedom Team began marathon weekend with a special welcome on field at the Boston Red Sox American League Division Series game three at Fenway Park on October 10. View pictures from the pre-game ceremony and ceremonial first pitch on the Red Sox official blog here.

We congratulate the Achilles community on an outstanding showing at the marathon. Their dedication to their sport is remarkable. We are already looking forward to April.