Fastest Man in the World

by Volpentest, Tony

• ISBN13: 9781936332007
• ISBN10: 1936332000
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-08-15
• Publisher: Bettie Youngs Books

Summary

Despite his physical obstacles, Tony Volpentest has won four Paralympic gold medals in track and field, and still holds the record as the fastest man in the world. Such feats required herculean physical training, of course-but what about emotional and mental preparation? Are elite athletes truly different than you and me, or can we all develop the same sort of rigor and vigor and apply them to attaining our goals?This much-loved Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year takes us step by step through each of his Olympian wins, and shows us how to acquire the mindset of champion and apply it to our own lives.Tony Volpentest is a four-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and five-time World Champion sprinter (he carried the Olympic flame at the 1996 Olympics). But it is not the medals or records that make him admirable so much as the grit and determination that got him to the starting line. His message is 'If you can dream it, you can achieve it'-all you have to do is push yourself beyond your own perceived limits.Tony is living proof that the formula works. He wanted to be a great athlete and told himself that if he visualized himself breaking world records, he would do so. And he did. Though born without hands or feet, he is currently the fastest runner in the world. In Winning Gold, Tony chronicles his incredible journey... physical, mental and emotional.Tony has won numerous honors, including the International Olympic Committee President's Award; the United States Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year; and Sports Star of the Year. He's been featured on CNN and Sports Illustrated, and served as the National Spokesman for Shriner's Hospitals.You name it, Tony has done it. And he's just warming up! An inspiration to thousands, he speaks to audiences the world over on the importance of tapping into one's own internal zone of "indefatigable determination."

Excerpts

Foreword by H. Ross PerotThroughout history, individuals have been remembered for different reasons, including leadership on the battlefield, in legislative chambers, or at religious institutions. Others are remembered for overcoming obstacles and exceeding expectations. Tony Volpentest is one of those individuals.When I first heard about Tony, like most people I was impressed with his athletic ability. It's rare enough to find world-class athletes who did not start practicing their sport until high school. How often do you encounter one who did so after having been born without feet or hands? And how often does even a world-class athlete go on to win several gold medals and set world records at the Paralympics-with finishing times only one second greater than those of Olympic sprinters who were not wearing prosthetics?As this remarkable book shows, he does it through determination, humor, dedication, and incredible tenacity. I've known Tony for more than 20 years, and he has taught me what it means to live the words of Winston Churchill's shortest speech: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, NEVER!” Tony's story is not just about him. One of the most important values I hold is the role of loving parents raising their children, and Tony's life reflects the benefits of this. He was blessed with a family that supported and encouraged him, providing the support that helped him succeed.Still, in order to achieve goals that most of us have only dreamed of, he had to overcome obstacles that few of us could even imagine facing. If a man with no feet or hands can transform himself into one of the fastest human beings alive, and can go out and show the world what victory really means, what excuse do you or I have for failing to push ourselves toward our own brand of achievement? There's a saying: "You don't know if you can do it until you try.” Winning Gold is the inspiring story of what trying really means. Tony Volpentest not only tried, he succeeded beyond anyone's wildest dreams-except possibly his own. Enjoy this very powerful story. -H. Ross Perot