Paul Martin

Sport: Cycling
Residence: Natick, Massachusetts

As a child growing up in a working-class Massachusetts city, Paul Martin took part in athletic competition to provide some relief from an otherwise difficult childhood and from time in a foster home. He wound his way through his early 20s with determination, humor and uncertainty, working in construction, going to college and eventually starting a career. But it wasn't until the age of 25, when he lost the lower half of his left leg in a car accident, that Paul looked in the mirror and made a true commitment to his life and his future - and went on to become a world champion triathlete, Ironman, Paralympic competitor, motivational public speaker, husband and father.

Paul has penned his autobiography entitled “One Man’s Leg.” He also has begun the development of a national coaching program for athletes with a physical disability interested in competing in triathlons and Ironman competitions.

A former member of the U.S. Amputee Hockey team, Paul shared in the team’s silver medal win at the 2004 World Championships in Prague. Paul also works closely with The Hartford making appearances around the country.

At the 2004 Summer Paralympic Games in Athens, Paul captured a silver medal in the Men’s Team Sprint and a bronze medal in the Men’s 4km Individual Pursuit.

In 2005, Paul won his third world championship in the Men’s disabled division at the International Triathlon Union's Olympic Distance World Championships in Honolulu, Hawaii. He also was nominated for an ESPY Award as the 2005 Best Male Athlete with a Disability.

In 2007 Paul completed his 10th Ironman competition in Coeur d’Alene, ID, won for the fifth time the ITU World Triathlon Championship Title and set his PR in the Eaglemen Half Ironman with a time of 4 hours and 41 minutes. Paul’s focus now is training for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.

Through his relentless focus on maximizing his abilities and achieving his goals, Paul has helped and continues to help The Hartford, founding sponsor of U.S. Paralympics®, positively change public attitudes and perceptions about disability.