Not every amputee wants to be an athlete and that’s okay
There have been moments when someone told me I was “so inspiring” for doing something as ordinary as walking into a grocery store. Other times people assumed I must train like a Paralympic hopeful. In reality, I was just trying to live my day. The pressure to be extraordinary didn’t come from me. It came from everything around me.
So Where Does this Pressure Come From?
Social media
Clips of amputees sprinting, weightlifting, climbing mountains, or completing incredible feats are everywhere. These stories deserve to be celebrated, but they’ve also created an expectation that every amputee should want the same path.
Rehab expectations
Rehab centers often highlight extremely athletic amputees as examples of what’s possible. While motivating, it can make some people feel behind before they’ve even started.
Stranger assumptions
People love a good comeback story. They’ll tell you about the kid on TV who ran a marathon on blades or the veteran who competes in CrossFit. They mean well, but it sends the message that the only “successful” amputee is a hyper-athletic one.
The “no excuses” culture
Online fitness content often suggests that if someone with a disability can do a demanding workout, then everyone else should be able to do more. That’s not empowerment. That’s pressure.
The idea that success equals extreme fitness
Somewhere along the way, pushing your limits became the benchmark. If you’re not chasing big athletic goals, people assume you’re not trying hard enough. But movement can be meaningful without being extreme.
Reflections From My Own Experience
There have been seasons where I trained hard because it gave me energy and confidence. There were also times when simply putting my prosthesis on was enough of a victory. What drove me looked different depending on my health, my responsibilities, and my capacity.
The biggest thing I learned: pacing yourself is not the same as giving up. Your goals can change with your life. They don’t need to impress anyone.
What being active can look like outside sports
Activity doesn’t have to involve racing, competing, or breaking personal records. It can fit into regular life in supportive, sustainable ways.
Walking more - Checkout this post about Micro Goals
Gardening - this is honestly my favorite hobby!
Playing with kids - keeping up with my nieces is a workout!
Traveling - Checkout this post about Building Confidence and Strength for Travel
Doing chores independently - vacuuming is exhausting & really tests your balance!
Low impact movement that supports daily life
How to redefine your version of progress
Strength that helps you lift groceries or stand longer in the kitchen
Balance that makes you feel secure walking on uneven ground
Endurance that supports outings, errands, and hobbies
Goals that support life, not performance
These achievements don’t look dramatic on social media, but they’re deeply meaningful.
Closing thoughts
Every amputee has the right to choose what movement looks like for them. You don’t need to be a “super athlete” to be fulfilled, proud, or successful. Living the life that brings you joy is enough. The quiet wins count just as much as the big ones.
