With the Paralympics just over a week away, we thought that this would be a good time to do a post on Tim's brother Marlon. For those of you who don't know much about him, Marlon is the world's fastest amputee athlete. He holds the world record in the 100 meter dash, and he's the defending gold medalist from the past 2 Paralympics. Among the various awards that he has won, he is a 2 time winner of the ESPY award for best disabled athlete. He lives in San Diego, where he trains at the Olympic Training Center, and he's now in Japan getting accustomed to the time change before heading over to Beijing next week for the start of the Paralympics. Marlon's life has been one of great adversity. Yet despite this adversity, Marlon has been able to achieve greatness both on and off the track. He has started a charitable foundation where he mentors under privileged children, and spends a lot of time speaking to various companies and groups, where he draws on his experiences as an orphan and amputee to inspire others. You can learn a lot more about him by going to his website or any other of the following links:
Marlon is documenting his activities and thoughts on his website blog (http://www.marlonshirley.com)./ . On his blog, he has written a letter that explains some of the difficulties that he has experienced this past year, and it will give you a greater understanding and appreciation for what he has gone through to just make it to Beijing, and I really encourage you to read it (from the homepage, select Blog, and read "Letter to all My Friends"). If there is one overwhelming theme is the story of Marlon's life, it is overcoming adversity, and making the best of bad situations. This year has been no exception to that, and once again, we are proud of the way that Marlon has rebounded and responded to this adversity, and we hope and pray that he's able to perform well. For any of you who would like to wish him well, you can leave comments on his blog from his website, and I'm sure that he would appreciate the encouragement.
From what I know, http://www.universalsports.com/ will broadcast the Paralympics, and there will also some recaps/specials on TV afterwards. When we find out what, and when those are, we will pass that along.
Go Marlon!
4 comments:
He sounds like an amazing man! I will definately check his blog out. I love stories like that with happy endings! Wish him luck for me and maybe I will be able to catch some of it on TV over here, they may broadcast it on our satelite! Baby is due soon, how you feeling?
Kim I can't get the link to Marlon's page to work.... am I the only one? Anyway Hope all is well, that baby will be here soon, I am so excited!!! Seriously we should try to do lunch when i'm up next. :) miss ya!
~Brandy
Go Marlon!! We are so excited for him! Is he on the McDonald's cups again? He is seriously awesome!
Wow, what a story, I watched the HBO video and he seems like an amazing person. Good luck in Beijing!
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