Dave is the event director of the Ultimate Challenge Track & Field Invitational. After a year and a half of hard work coordinating this event, Dave says that he is very pleased with the way everything has been going so far.

"This is the first event in disabled sports to offer training grant funds based on athletic performance" says Grevemberg. "The event is in full accordance with able bodied International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) rules, and it is also the first event for amputee athletes that has been sanctioned by the International Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD) in 8 years"

With 20 events for lower extremity amputees, this Track and Field Invitational will set a new precedent for sponsors of disabled sports in the manner in which they fund or sponsor disabled programs.

"This event will play a significant role in raising disability awareness. A meet of this caliber goes a long way in establishing athletes with disabilities as being among the elite professional athletes of society."

Competing for: 3 years
Events: Shotput, Discus

Shawn has been competing since 1994. He feels that being a thrower in the past has really helped with this competition. Shawn is a faithful patron of Flexfoot, and feels that offering grants puts them far and above other companies. This competition enables the best athlete to get the money.

Shawn would like to thank RGP Prosthetic Research Center, Flexfoot, Ohio Willowood, and Powerbar. They all worked together on providing his leg.

Shawn set a new world record in the Men's F44 Discus Throw.

Events: 100m, 200m, Long Jump
Prosthetist: Marty Robinson, Otto Bock

Earle has only been training for three months, and this was his first outdoor competition. Obviously, he was pleased with his results, especially in the 100m and the Long Jump, both of which he won. He felt that this competition was a great opportunity for amputees to gain awareness and exposure, which is much needed.Earle is looking forward to competing more, excelling and learning new things from the disabled community. He would like to thank Ottobock of Canada, Strut Stuff and Action Wear for the opportunity to wear the best products on the market, and to be able to compete on a level that might not have been possible without their support.

Competing for: 1.5 years
Events: 100m
Prosthetist: Brunner Prosthetics

The Ultimate Challenge was Stephanie's first international competition. She felt very lucky to be included in the race, and thought that being around the other athletes, some of whom are famous, was a great experience. She felt that this was an excellent opportunity to meet athletes and learn about different types of prostheses, and she hopes the event will continue in future years. She said that, since Germany is not so advanced in sport prostheses, this was an excellent opportunity to learn about new possibilities.

Events: 400m, 800m
Prosthetist: Paul Martino, Dorchester, Massachusetts, United Prosthetics

Joe was the 1990 indoor New England champ of the mile run in high school. He has been an amputee since 1992. Joe feels that this type of competition shows what happens to a dream that is different. He would like to thank Gilberto Alvarez for pushing him to the wire. Joe believes that this is a big stepping stone for amputee athletes, since many of them are comparable to able-bodied athletes. He owes his own success to the Brockton High School Track and Field team, both past and present.

Joe set a new world record in the Men's 800 Meter Run.

Competing for: 15 years
Events: 100m, Javelin, Long Jump
Prosthetist: Rick Riley & Reno Woesh, Specialty Prosthetic Inc.

Reinheld has been competing since 1982, and was very pleased with her results in the Long Jump and 100m at the Ultimate Challenge. She feels that it is important to have competitions like this one, because they increase experience exchanges between athletes, prosthetists, and administrators.

Competing for: 2 years
Events: 100m, Javelin, Long Jump
Prosthetist: Wayne Wilkerson

Aimee cannot wait until next year's Ultimate Challenge. She felt that the accomodations and site were beautiful and everyone was very helpful. She is very happy with her results, and cannot wait to break her own new records. Aimee strongly believes that there is a great need for women to compete, and urges those interested to get involved.

Photo: Aimee Mullins (back) hugs Jamie Goldman, USA, after the Women's 100m.

Events: 100m, Javelin, Long Jump

Sonja has been training for two months, and the Ultimate Challenge was her first international competition. This was Sonja's first time jumping and running in the 100m.

Events: 100m, 200m
Prosthetist: Paul Prusakowski, Gainesville, FL, Shands Hospital O&P Department

Albert has been an amputee for a little over a year, and has been training for about 3 months. The Ultimate Challenge was the first race that he has competed in. "I used the Ultimate Challenge as a way for the Lord to manifest himself through me. Not only through participating, but through witnessing the race and fellowshipping with athletes and non-athletes alike."

Albert was pleased with his results, but just being there brought him happiness. "I could have come in last place and been content, because whatever the results, it was God's will."

Albert would like to thank Paul for working with him both on the clock and off, giving him what he didn't think he had, and for being his friend as well as his prosthetist. He would also like to thank Flexfoot, CaTech, and Endolite for helping to provide his prosthesis. Finally, he would like to repent for all his sins, for the Lord has truly blessed him and for that, he is thankful.

Competing for: 10 years
Events: 100m, Discus

Sarah has been competing for a total of 10 years, and on an international level for seven or eight years. She felt that the Ultimate Challenge was a very positive track meet, and thanks FlexFoot for being so supportive of women athletes. "Through this race they are trying to get the fact across that women can run and compete."

Competing for: 2 years
Events: Discus, Javelin, Long Jump
Prosthetist: Jim McElhiney, Nashville, TN, Hanger O&P

Jenny is a physical therapist in Little Rock, Arkansas, and has been competing for 2 years. She specializes in rehab for amputees and will be glad to help anyone with any questions. Jenny felt that this competition was great, especially since it offered funding for the athletes. She feels that others should definitely get involved because it is a great opportunity for women to be recognized. She also points out that the world records are wide open, and this means a great opportunity for women athletes to excel.

Competing for: 11 years
Events: 100m, Long Jump
Prosthetist: Lisa Schoonmaker, Techliner

Todd has been competing for 11 years, and feels that the Ultimate Challenge was a great event that has a lot of potential. Todd is looking forward to competing in the next paralympics, which will be his last.

Todd can be reached at Endolite North America for updates on amputee rehab and running clinics.

Competing for: 8 years
Events: Shot Put, Long Jump, Javelin

Andrea set a new world record in theWomens Shot Put

Events: High Jump
Prosthetist: Jim Liston, Specialized Prosthetics and Orthotics Tech.

Marlon was very excited to take 2nd place in the high jump, since he is still in high school and most of the other competitors were much older. He had never heard of the paralympics until recently, and he was very impressed by the turnout at the Ultimate Challenge. He appreciated the opportunity to compete and the donation from Flexfoot, and would like to thank Jim Liston for making his prosthetic leg.

Competing for: 1 year
Events: 100m, 200m
Prosthetist: Mike Joyce, Long Island, NY, Advanced Prosthetics

John was satisfied with his results at the Ultimate Challenge, but feels that he has to go back to technology and try new things. He feels that he has maxed out the spring unit, which is not the way to run anymore. He enjoys the experience of running against new athletes, because it makes him work harder for future meets.

John commends Flexfoot - they don't hold back. He feels that this was a first class event, and he is looking forward to next year.

Competing for: 2 years
Events: 400m, 800m Prosthetist: Michael Joyce, Advanced Prosthetics

Mark has been an amputee for seven years, and has been running since high school, although he took a few years before he got back into it. Mark thought the Ultimate Challenge was great. "It was too good to be true," he said, since he was expecting something to go wrong. Fortunately, everything ran smoothly.

The fact that the 800m was included was pretty monumental, since the distance races are usually not included in these competitions. He did not expect to see the 800m in an international competition, but it was great to have it and everyone seemed excited about it. The actual race was exciting for everyone, since the lead changed four times. Mark is looking forward to running more middle distance races in the future. Eventually, he would like the Paralympics to include every race from the 100m up to the marathon.

Mark is happy with his results - he felt that he ran well, as did the 1st and 2nd place winners (in the 800m). He was especially happy with the turnout and the excitement over the 800m race.

Mark is a sports anchor for Disabled Television. He would like to thank: Patty Rossbacher of A.S.P.I.R.E, David Balsley (his coach), and all of the guys at Advanced Prosthetics (Eric, Denis, Denis Jr, Al, and Mike).

Competing for: 7 years
Events: 100m, 200m
Prosthetist: NovaCare / Sabolich

Tony has been competing for 7 years and felt that the Ultimate Challenge was a tremendous success and brought more attention to the Paralympics. He feels that this level of athleticism brings more people and heightens the level of competition, especially with the addition of the grants for the winners.

Tony is disappointed with his results in the 100m, since he knows that he could run it a hundred times with a better time than he had. He feels that he had a terrible start and still only lost by an inch, but this does not bother him too much. A quote from Tony: "I know what it feels like to be a champion."

Photo: Tony Volpentest (right) with Neal Fuller, Australia