In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I welcome right above-knee amputee (RAKA) and bodybuilder Tracy Gariepy LaMarche.
Tracy wasn’t your typical athlete. In fact, she didn’t even dip her toes into the world of physical fitness until she reached her thirties. But when she finally embraced it, she did so with an unwavering commitment.
A series of events unfolded, propelling Tracy on an unexpected journey. She pursued and obtained certifications in group fitness and personal training, driven by a newfound passion for health and wellness. Fuelled by her determination, she took a leap of faith and opened her very own fitness studio, where she inspired others to push their limits and achieve their fitness goals.
But Tracy wasn’t satisfied with just helping others; she craved personal challenges too. She set her sights on ultra marathons, races that tested the limits of endurance and willpower. Undeterred by the daunting distances, she tackled courses stretching beyond 100 miles, pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion and beyond.
Her accomplishments didn’t end there. Tracy sought new heights in the realm of competitive bodybuilding, breaking barriers and stereotypes as a female athlete on the national stage. With dedication and discipline, she sculpted her body into a symbol of strength and resilience, inspiring others to defy expectations and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
However, just as Tracy seemed unstoppable, fate dealt her a cruel blow. In 2021, a knee injury struck, threatening to derail her journey. Despite undergoing surgeries in hopes of recovery, complications arose. Failed hardware and a bone infection turned a setback into a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. With little choice, she elected to have her right leg amputated in May of 2023.
Links:
BATL Fitness: https://batlfitness.godaddysites.com/
Tracy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barefit_girl/
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Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories. Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable, uplifting, and beautifully practical stories. Living with cerebral palsy and using an augmentative communication app, Brooke demonstrates that every voice — every single one — can inspire hope, healing, and opportunity. This is her second appearance on the show, so after watching, don’t forget to visit WereNotStumped.com to catch her first episode.
