Get inspired: Meet the woman who completed the toughest endurance race in the world.

She made sports history in one of the worlds toughest endurance events – the Hawaii Ironman and she did it with one leg.

Sarah Reinertsen did the toughest endurance event in the world – the Hawaii Ironman, which starts with a 3.8km swim, then goes to a 180km bike ride and finishes with a 42.2km run. Sarah completed it with one leg.

The Ironman World Championship was held in Kona and the 39-year-old finished it in 15 hours and 5 minutes. She became the first woman ever to finish the event on a prosthetic leg. From there – a year later – she competed in season 10 of the “The Amazing Race” in 2006 and raced around the world.

Now, Sarah lives in California. She’s a motivational speaker, and athlete, an author and a mentor. She is the spokesperson for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and is also spokesperson for the Ossur Prosthetic Company. She has just written a book called In a Single Bound.

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She’s happily married and says that she weill, “run and race in triathlons until I can’t do it anymore.”

I was lucky enough to grab some time with this world-class athlete and feisty woman to find out how she got to where she is today, what it’s like growing up with a prosthetic leg and where she gets her inspiration.

How did you get to where you are today? 

S: I was lucky to meet a woman named Paddy Rossbach who got me into running races. I started out as a track runner, running 60 metres, 100 metres, 400 metres and 1500 metres. But soon I wanted more and I progressed to marathons and then to Triathlons.

What made you decide to do an Ironman event? 

S: Because an above the knee amputee woman had never done it before. I was inspired by a man named Jim Maclaren who was an above the knee amputee who competed in marathons and Ironman Triathlons.

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What appeals to you about triathlons? 

S: I like the 3 sports. It is a bit easier on your body as I have done 13 marathons and it helps to cross train.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in life so far? 

S: I would say it is the Hawaii Ironman and then the Arizona Ironman but the best part of all is giving back to those who are looking for inspiration. Working with organisations helping other amputees.

What was it like growing up with one leg? 

S: Hard at times…trying to fit in with the other kids and wanting to play sports and to be part of the game was tough.

When did you discover that you were a talented runner and endurance athlete? 

S: My very first running event was when I was 12 years old and I did a 60 metre run. My leg was coming off at the strap and I reached in my pants and held on to the strap pulling it up to keep it on and was determined to beat the boy next to me. I knew then that I could do this and the hunger was there!

Related: “Triathlon dad runs with his daughter who has a disability. You’ll need tissues for this.”

What motivates you?  

S: Other people and my self talk. I say mantras to myself like, “show them you are tougher than the rest.” I keep motivated by signing up for the next race.

And what inspires you?

S: My family has been a great motivator and support. They have always told me to try and never give up and that if I don’t try, how will I know if I can do it. Also, if I did fail they are always proud of me for trying and that is the important thing.

What do you plan to tackle next? 

S: I am training and working toward the 2016 Paralympic games in Brazil for the Triathlon. It will be the first year that it’s in the Paralympic games.

What advice would you give to aspiring athletes?

S: Don’t let the naysayers crush your dreams or goals. Seek out help and always tri!

And in other sporting news this week…

– Penny Taylor was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Award as Victorian Sportsperson of the Year. The Australian Opal, WNBA and WNBL player was presented the award as an athlete that has gone beyond her sporting commitment and made a significant contribution to the sporting world as a role model. Congratulations to Penny – it was well deserved.

– Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor may not be joining the women’s basketball team at the Rio Olympics. The Opals coach has said the team may be going to the Oympics in Brazil next year without two of their great players. The Opals captain, Taylor and four time Olympian, Jackson have both been dealing with injuries and will be in their mid thirties by the time the Games arrive. 

– The Women’s Sevens Rugby team finished in fifth place at the Atlanta Sevens. They were defeated by the USA in the Cup Quarter-Finals meant the girls ended up fighting for the plate. They ultimately won after beating England and France. Their coach said it was a disappointment that they’ll have to recover from.

What sports have you been playing or watching this week?