Written by CAF Ambassador Roderick Sewell 

What an Experience 

The 50th New York City Marathon was something special. The city showed up for this one. After everything we’ve all been through these past couple years, it felt like the crowd needed this as much as the athletes did. Cheering, music, tears, laughter—you could feel the energy bouncing off the buildings. 

Being out there on a handcycle as a double amputee and CAF athlete meant a lot. It had been a long stretch of training and not much racing, so getting back out there in a race environment was huge for me. I got to ride my new carbon bike and just enjoy being out there again. 

Rolling With Legends 

I was lucky to race alongside guys like Glenn Hartrick, Billy Davis, Ricardo Corral, and more. Some strong athletes and even stronger people. I also had a front-row seat to some incredible performances on blades—Marko Cheseto, Richard Whitehead, and Rudy Garcia-Tolson were out there crushing it. 

The weather couldn’t have been better: good temps, no wind, no rain—just clean conditions. Marko ran a 2:35 marathon just after posting a 2:37 in Chicago. That’s wild. It definitely lit a fire under me to come back someday and run the NYC Marathon on blades. 

The only marathon I’ve run was part of an Ironman, so I was already cooked after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112. My time was 6 hours and 15 minutes—not where I want to be. With fresh legs, the right socket setup, and focused training, I think breaking 3 hours is possible. It’s a goal I want to chase. 

Back in the Borough 

New York means something to me. I lived in Brooklyn before moving to Colorado, and the people here made me feel at home. Coming back to ride through those streets and see the support from the community—that hit deep. 

It felt like the city was wrapping its arms around every single athlete out there. There’s nothing like it. The energy, the diversity, the love… it reminded me why New York will always have a place in my story. 

Riding for More Than Myself 

Racing as a Challenged Athletes Foundation ambassador always gives me purpose. CAF gave me the chance to compete, to train, and to grow. They’ve been a part of my life since I was a teenager, and now I get to represent the mission—to show what’s possible when people with physical challenges get the support they need. 

Crossing that finish line in New York wasn’t just a personal win. It was a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we can still go. 

Meet Roderick Sewell 

I am proud to be a Paralympic swimmer and athlete, a CAF ambassador, and the first bilateral above-the-knee amputee to finish the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona on prosthetic legs. 

• Read my full bio → 

• Watch my Heroes of Sport interview → 

• Watch my full story → 

Follow my journey on Facebook and Instagram. 

Join CAF and Break Barriers with Us 

Every finish line I cross is proof of what’s possible when athletes with physical disabilities get the resources they deserve. If this story hits home for you, here’s how you can help: 

• Donate to support CAF athletes like me 

• Join a CAF fundraising event like the Million Dollar Challenge or San Diego Triathlon Challenge 
• Apply for a CAF grant if you’re an athlete seeking access to equipment, training, or mentorship