Achilles Hosts Panel with TD Bank and NYRR on the Impact of Running
In celebration of the annual Hope & Possibility® 4M Presented by TD Bank, Achilles International hosted a conversation on how running profoundly impacts athletes' lives beyond sports, in partnership with New York Road Runners at the NYRR RUNCENTER on June 26.
The panel, “Beyond the Finish Line: How Running Positively Impacts Life Off the Course,” featured:
Jennie Platt (she/her) — Chief Marketing Officer, TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®
Ben Simmons (he/him) — Achilles NYC Amputee Athlete
Yasemin Kinis (she/her) — Achilles NYC Racing Wheelchair Athlete
Susan Pomerantz (she/her) — Achilles NYC Blind Athlete
Simone Sampaio (she/her) — NYRR Group Training Coach and Achilles Guide
Panelists shared personal stories of how running creates confidence, new opportunities and meaningful connections. These stories highlighted both the challenges and triumphs they’ve encountered through the sport.
“Running has always been my main form of training my entire life and I have benefited so much from it, both personally and professionally,” said Jennie. “There are so many things that the sport of running teaches you in terms of discipline, focus and self confidence.”
A theme echoed by all panelists was the powerful sense of connection running creates.
“I ran the New York City Marathon last year. I was so tired in the last few miles and it was really hard to push,” Yasemin said. “People saw that I was struggling and crying, and they started shouting and cheering for me louder and louder. They helped motivate me to get to the finish line. That togetherness inspired me.”
“There’s this misconception that if we want to be strong, we have to do things on our own and that asking for help is weak,” said Susan. “Running with Achilles taught me that that is not true, and that it’s really only by making ourselves vulnerable that we can really connect to people.”
