Chapter Milestones: Arkansas

In 1976, Achilles International’s late founder Dick Traum made history as the first person with a prosthetic leg to complete the New York City Marathon, helping spark a movement that continues to redefine what’s possible for athletes with disabilities around the world.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of that historic finish, we’re celebrating the people, moments and milestones that have shaped Achilles along the way. Today, that movement spans 62 chapters worldwide, each with its own story to tell.

We asked members of the Achilles Arkansas community to reflect on the moments that have defined their chapter, the milestones they've celebrated, and what Achilles means to them. Read Chapter Leader Rob Lambert's reflection below.

Rob Lambert, Chapter Leader, Achilles Arkansas

My Achilles journey began when my good friend Mary Dean brought this thing called Achilles down from New York and asked if I would volunteer.

I had volunteered with Special Olympics and other organizations in the past, so getting involved seemed like a natural fit. What I soon discovered was how much of an impact Achilles could have, not only on the athletes who participate, but on the entire community around them.

Our athletes inspire people wherever they go. Whether they're out on the trail for a weekly run or competing in a local race, people see them challenging themselves, pursuing their goals and showing what's possible when everyone has the opportunity to participate.

That's particularly meaningful in a smaller community like ours.

Disability can be isolating anywhere, and in a small town, opportunities to find an active and supportive community can be limited. Achilles has helped create that community where there wasn't one before.

That's one of the things I'm most proud of. We've shown that Achilles can thrive in a small town in Arkansas. You don't need to be in a major city to create something meaningful. What matters is bringing together athletes, guides and volunteers who are willing to show up for one another.

And our athletes continually remind us why it's so important not to place limits on what someone else can accomplish.

One of our athletes with spina bifida demonstrated that perfectly when she completed a triathlon using crutches and a handcycle.

Finishing the triathlon was an incredible achievement, but her reaction afterward is what stuck with me most. She wasn't focused on everything she had overcome just to reach the finish line. She was disappointed with her time and immediately started talking about how much faster she could be next year.

That moment taught me one of the biggest lessons I've learned through Achilles: it's foolish to set limits on people.

Our athletes aren't looking for someone else to decide what's possible for them. They set their own goals, challenge themselves and decide what they want to accomplish next.

Sometimes that's completing a triathlon. Sometimes it's competing in a local race. Sometimes it's simply showing up for that first weekly workout and discovering a community that wasn't there before.

That's what Achilles has created here in Arkansas: a place where people can come together, be active, challenge themselves and belong.

For me, seeing that community continue to grow, and watching our athletes inspire the people around them along the way, is what makes Achilles Arkansas worth celebrating.