83-Year-Old Pioneering Para-Athlete Who Defied Limits and Inspired a Movement Passes Away Leaving Behind a Legacy of Triumph and Hope

Dick Traum, a noted personality in the para-athlete realm, has breathed his last at the age of 83. According to reports, Traum passed away on January 23 in Manhattan. At the time of his death, the athlete was reportedly in a rehabilitation center where he did not survive after having a massive cardiac attack. Traum’s demise was confirmed by Elizabeth Traum, his wife. Dick Traum was popularly known as the first athlete to compete in a marathon wearing a prosthetic leg. 

However, his incredible contribution did not stop there as he went on to inspire several more disabled athletes to take an active part in sports. Traum established the Achilles Track Club to help the specially abled reach their goals. While we sincerely pray for his soul to rest in peace, let’s rewind and have a look at his incredible life. 

Dick Traum: A true inspiration

Traum’s journey started way back in the 1970s at the New York Marathon. After gaining significant success and confidence in the race, the Manhattan native did not stop. During his lifetime, he participated in over 70 marathons, which is an exceptional feat to achieve for anyone. Initially, his prosthetic leg was the only support he got. However, in the later years, Traum used a three-wheeled handcycle to provide the required support. 

The long list of his accolades also includes the prestigious moment when he treaded side by side with former US President Bill Clinton, using a set of forearm crutches. While he continued his quests proudly, the overall scenario of the differently abled athletes taking up sport was grim. Thus, to instill a ray of hope amongst them Traum established the Achilles Track Club in 1983. For 36 years, Traum continued to recruit promising athletes and trained them for free. The athletes participating in the programs did not only get technical assistance, but were also provided with psychological counseling to strengthen their mental toughness. 

At present, the organization has spread its wings to 18 countries and has been renamed the Achilles International. According to reports, the organization now boasts 150,000 athletes benefiting from their programs. Almost 500 runners registered under the organization took part in the recently concluded New York Marathon, donning the iconic neon yellow uniform. 

Dick Traum indeed had his life come full circle by not only being a great athlete but also a visionary who changed the lives of so many disabled athletes for good. Talking about full circles, let’s have a quick recap of that first marathon from where it all started. 

Dick Traum’s initial tryst with destiny

When people saw Dick Traum standing at the starting line, wearing a prosthetic leg in 1976, most of them were doubtful. However, Traum went on to finish the race, much to the disbelief of the 2000-odd participants in the marathon. He also kickstarted a dream for many which currently, is a pleasant reality. Traum received significant appreciation afterward but the one that he remembered was from Bill Rodgers, the winner of the 1976 New York Marathon. 

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At the 18-mile point, as Rodgers overtook Traum, he couldn’t help but give a shout-out to the late 83-year-old for his grit and determination. Rodgers exclaimed, “Attaboy, Dick!” In a 2012 interview with CNN, Traum referred to the incident saying, “When an able-bodied runner gets passed by someone on one leg, it changes their perception of what the disabled can do.”  He also said that such efforts would definitely help the para-athletes to refocus on the game and help to boost their self-esteem. 

While we mourn the passing of Dick Traum, his vision and work will always remain as alive as ever, every time a differently abled athlete steps onto the running tracks. 

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