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/
#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #amputados #inspiration #abovekneeamputee #adaptivesports #limbdifference #disabilityawareness #nevergiveup #limblossawareness #noexcuses #amputeecoalition #amputeepride #ampstrong #bodybuilding #fitness #gym #workout #fitnessmotivation #motivation #fit #muscle #gymlife #training #fitfam #gymmotivation #fitnessmodel #lifestyle #bodybuilder #health #personaltrainer #crossfit #powerlifting #instagood #healthy #healthylifestyle #fitspo #instafit #strong #gains #exercise #sport #love #fitnessaddict
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike talks with John Cooper, a physical therapist assistant with 18 years of experience, about his journey into physical therapy and his passion for working with lower-limb amputees. John shares how his grandfather’s recovery from brain surgery sparked his career, and how close collaboration with prosthetists helps him address the real-world challenges amputees face every day. He explains why patience matters in rehab, why quality beats quantity in therapy sessions, and how setbacks can become powerful turning points.
Mike Bolland shares the story behind Enable Review — a new community-powered platform created to help people with limb loss, limb difference, and caregivers find prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation care they can trust. After hearing powerful stories from guests and listeners, Mike explains why real patient experiences matter — and how Enable Review puts those voices front and center. Enable Review isn’t about ads or marketing. It’s about lived experience. If you’ve worked with a prosthetist, orthotist, physical therapist, or rehab clinic, we invite you to be part of our early community. https://enablereview.com/
Host Mike Bolland sits down with Risa August — cancer survivor, author, patient advocate, and TEDx speaker — to talk about transforming adversity into impact. Risa shares her journey after being diagnosed with acromegaly, the life-altering treatments she endured, and how she rebuilt her life with courage, mindset, and purpose. From losing her identity to riding 1,845 miles from Canada to Mexico, Risa proves that resilience can create extraordinary new beginnings. This conversation is about more than survival — it’s about finding purpose, shifting your mindset, and helping others rise after life’s greatest challenges.
