Challenged athlete Tara Butcher speaks at 2nd Annual TPHS Youth Summer Speed Camp
Tara Butcher speaking to students at Torrey Pines High School July 12.
(Nicole Noel)
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Tara Butcher, a 39-year-old single leg below-knee amputee athlete, came to Torrey Pines High School July 12 to speak to 78 youth athletes ages 8-17, five coaches and a half dozen parents on the importance of having a positive attitude and mindset for mentally overcoming physical challenges.
“You can achieve and accomplish just about anything if you say you can,” Butcher said.
In 2005, Butcher was driving home on the freeway in San Diego when she was involved in a minor car accident. While pulled over and out of her car, she was struck by another vehicle going 72 mph, catapulting her across two lanes. She was in a coma for 10 days and had to have a metal rod inserted into her right leg and her left leg had to be amputated. She has made an incredible recovery since her accident and thanks to her network of support and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, she has run the New York City Marathon, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt Whitney, and currently competes in triathlons and is a dedicated yogi. She recently ran the Empire State Building Run Up and won the female division. She continues to stay active and inspire many with her story.