Hanger patient Katy Sullivan was recently selected by
the US Paralympics to be a member of the US track and field team. Sullivan, who
is a transfemoral amputee, will compete with the team at this year’s Para
Pan American Games, scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, from Nov.
12 to 20.
Sullivan was born a bilateral amputee, missing both legs
through her femur bones. As a young girl, Sullivan was on the local swim team
and also participated in gymnastics. When she first arrived in Los Angeles as
an adult, her Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics practitioner suggested she try
running. Having always been an athletic and active person, Sullivan jumped at
the chance. Despite some initial difficulties adjusting to her running
prostheses, Sullivan managed to improve and ultimately set numerous running
records.
She competed in the 2007 Para Pan American Games in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil, and in the 2006 and 2007 Paralympic National Championships.
At the 2007 National Championships, Sullivan broke the world record for the 200
m. She also competed in the 2006 and 2007 Endeavor Games in Oklahoma City where
she won six gold medals in track and two silver medals in swimming.
