Jim MacLaren

Who was Jim MacLaren?

James E. MacLaren was a motivational speaker and author, noted for his record-breaking performances in the marathon and Ironman triathlon after having his left leg amputated below the knee.

MacLaren was born on 13 April 1963. He was a standout athlete in football and lacrosse at Yale University. Moreover even before matriculating at Yale he had been a leading athlete at Vermont Academy. In 1985, at the age of 22, MacLaren lost his left leg below the knee in a fatal motorcycle accident, and had to be defibrillated. He recovered, and went on to run the marathon in 3 hours, 16 minutes, and to finish the Ironman Hawaii in 10 hours, 42 minutes.

Then, in 1993, during the Orange County Triathlon, MacLaren was struck by a van during the bike portion of the race and collided with a signpost, rendering him a quadriplegic.

MacLaren's accident inspired members of the running community to raise funds to allow him to purchase a van he could drive with his hands. The fundraiser rose above and beyond the amount of funds necessary, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation was founded in an effort to support other disabled athletes in their efforts.

Again MacLaren recovered, and used a wheelchair. MacLaren then worked as a motivational speaker and author.