Whether professional or amateur, being an athlete takes grit. Crank athlete Jessica Minton has been a lifelong sports person, whether playing wheelchair basketball at the University of Alabama or cranking out mileage on her handbike equivalent to that of an ultramarathon on The Silver Comet Trail.
When asked if running has helped her overcome other obstacles in life, Kramlich said it boosts her confidence. “I know I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”
Every time I think of this race, a huge smile crosses my face and my heart fills with gratitude. This race is very special to me as the 2011 Publix was my 2nd race to ever compete as an athlete. Reflecting about this gives me goosebumps! It’s incredible for me to see how far I have come as an athlete and we have come as KPF. I am forever grateful to my brothers who ran in this race with me in 2011… as the signs said we were “Three Peases in a Pod.”
The 2021 Publix Atlanta Half Marathon, will be a very notable race to me, my brother, and KPF. This race will officially kick off our 10 years racing together for inclusion. What a great way to show our community what inclusion is at its purest form! I am grateful for the amazing volunteers, support crew, parents, and most of all the athletes that have raced with us each year and who are making Year 10 possible.
Surging out of Lake Loyd on a crisp December day competing in the Challenge Daytona triathlon, pro and amateur triathletes sprint toward their bikes. The moment his fingertips touch the ground, Chris Johnson springs up and dashes out of the water. Fastening his helmet strap under his chin, he swings a leg over his bike and merges with the throng of amateur racers. Despite having his appendix removed only three weeks prior, Johnson placed fifth in the middle-distance event, first in the sprint.
“I was a little disappointed in my performance in the middle-distance race,” he shared. “But I was happy I bounced back in the sprint race.”
Throughout his life, Aranda has been active in sports whether it be endurance racing or wheelchair sports. A player on the Johns Creek-based wheelchair sports team, The Titans, this well-rounded athlete cross-trains by playing wheelchair handball, basketball and football.
“I've been involved in sports for as long as I can remember,” Ricardo says. He credits his adaptive P.E. Teacher for igniting the competitive flame that has grown into a passion. “Thanks to her, the feeling that I have when I race and play handball with my team is exactly the same.” And, that feeling is freedom.
