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
What happens when you survive COVID… but wake up to a completely different life? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Brianna Heitzman, a certified employment specialist with Down Syndrome of Louisville, whose life was forever changed after a severe battle with COVID-19. After being placed on a ventilator and ECMO, Brianna faced an unimaginable outcome—the loss of her legs. But her story doesn’t end there. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and rebuilding a life with purpose. Brianna’s journey is raw, real, and deeply inspiring—a reminder that even after life-changing trauma, there is still a path forward.
What happens when a story about limb loss hits the news—and suddenly everyone you know is texting you about it? If you’re part of the limb loss community, you already know. In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the experience of being “the limb loss friend”—the person others turn to when they don’t fully understand what they’re seeing but want to connect.
Stacy and Courtney Walker are proving that teamwork knows no limits. As the only known mother-daughter duo in wheelchair power soccer, they proudly represent Arizona Heat Power Soccer—competing, training, and pushing boundaries together on and off the court. Their journey is about more than just the game. It’s about resilience, family, and the power of adaptive sports to change lives. On this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Stacy and Courtney to share their story—how they got involved in power soccer, what it’s like competing side by side, and what being part of Arizona Heat Power Soccer truly means. Now, they’re working toward their next big goal: competing at Power Soccer Nationals.
