Chapter Milestones: Kansas City
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 Kansas City 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 Kelly Bacon's reflection below.
Kelly Bacon, Former Chapter Leader, Achilles Kansas City
Dick Traum becoming the first New York City Marathon finisher with a disability opened doors for so many people. To me, his accomplishment embodies the idea that when you set a goal, make a plan and give it everything you have, you can redefine what you once thought was possible.
His finish opened the door for countless athletes to pursue goals that may have once seemed impossible. Decades later, that same spirit continues to inspire what we do at Achilles Kansas City.
My own Achilles journey began after seeing the organization in action in Philadelphia. I immediately returned home wanting to get involved, only to discover that Kansas City didn't have a chapter yet. I was disappointed at first, but that disappointment eventually became motivation.
After many conversations and with incredible support from friends, family and other Achilles chapter leaders, I realized this was something Kansas City needed. We already had a great group of athletes who were ready to train, take on local races and build something together.
Conversations about establishing Achilles Kansas City began in 2018. Between the work required to get the chapter started and the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it would be a few years before we could finally gather in person.
In spring 2021, Achilles Kansas City held its first practice. We were so excited to finally be out there.
A few months later, on the Fourth of July, we lined up for our first race as a chapter. We were still a small but mighty group. I remember standing at the starting line with just a few of us ready to compete and feeling this incredible sense of excitement.
All the weeks of training, preparation and logistics had led to that moment. More than anything, we had worked to make sure everyone felt prepared and ready to take on the challenge. Finally, we were there. We were ready to race.
I'll always be thankful for the people who showed up for those first practices and that first race, and for everyone who worked through so many obstacles to get Achilles Kansas City up and running.
We originally started the chapter to bring people together to participate in local races. It didn't take long, though, to realize that crossing a finish line was only one piece of a much bigger picture.
Achilles Kansas City became about connection. It's about great conversations, having fun, sharing a smile or a laugh and reminding one another that we're often capable of much more than we initially believe. What makes me proudest is seeing the way our members lift one another up.
There's something incredibly powerful about watching someone you care about cross a finish line and prove to themselves that they're capable of so much. You see the training, the difficult days and everything it took to get there, which makes celebrating that moment together even more meaningful.
That's also been my biggest lesson through Achilles. A finish line is wonderful. A personal record is wonderful. A medal is wonderful. But none of them compare to accomplishing something difficult alongside people who have been there for you through both the darkest moments and the greatest joys. There's something special about the collective struggle and collective joy of working toward a goal together. You don't arrive at the finish line alone. You get there with people beside you who have encouraged you, challenged you and believed in you along the way. To me, that's the secret to life.
When I think about Dick Traum's historic finish nearly 50 years ago, that's part of what his legacy represents. One person accomplishing something that once seemed impossible can open the door for someone else to imagine what's possible for them.
That's what we're continuing to build in Kansas City. One person takes on a challenge. The people around them lift them up. Then they turn around and do the same for someone else.
And together, we keep moving the finish line of what's possible.
