Traum's achievement inspired Terry Fox, a Canadian teenager who had lost a leg to cancer.
Traum believes that when they compete in mainstream races, they change opinions on two levels.
It's a life that she says she could never have dreamed of without Traum.
"Running that first marathon was probably the favorite day in my life, " Traum said.
"Now, you see (disabled athletes) running in the park all the time, " Traum said.
To Traum's knowledge, he is the first person to run such a distance on a prosthetic leg.
Traum's influence can also be found every day in neighborhoods across the country.
It's a circle of inspiration that's been growing since Traum started his work.
In 1976, Traum became the first amputee to run the New York City Marathon, finishing in seven hours and 24 minutes.
"Amputees, strokes, autism, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy -- you probably can't think of a disability that's not represented, " Traum said.
"I'd ask my coach how I was doing compared to the other amputees, and he'd say 'About the same, ' " Traum remembered.
"Camaraderie is the most important part of what we do, " Traum said.
"When an able-bodied runner gets passed by someone on one leg, it changes their perception of what the disabled can do, " Traum said.
Traum has never wanted anything to prevent athletes from participating.
After knee replacement surgery a few years ago, Traum stopped running himself and switched to a hand-crank wheelchair, which is low, has three wheels and is moved by the user's arms.
"We are literally addicting people to achievement, " Traum said.
应用推荐