Rudy Garcia Tolson; Iron-man, Swimmer, Skateboarder and Paraplegic

Being a former coach and athletic director, I have always been amazed about individuals that overcome handicaps to become outstanding athletes and citizens. This article is my personal interview of Rudy Garcia Tolson.

Introduction

After 15 operations, at the age of 6, Rudy told his parents that he would rather be a double amputee and move on with his life. Rudy was born with multiple birth defects. He had both legs removed above the knees. Three years later he would swim in the Para-Olympics. His life has been on a upward swing since that time.

Rudy is not only a swimming champ. He has competed in triathlons and skateboarding. He is currently training for the 2012 London Olympics in swimming.

Personal Interview

Y! Bill Hanks; Rudy, where do you live and train?

RGT; I currently live and train at the Olympic Center in Colorado Springs.

Y! BH; At what age did you start swimming and skateboarding?

RTG; I started swimming at the age of 6 right after I chose to get my legs cut off. I enjoy swimming because I feel free in the water, I also love to beat kids with legs. I've been skateboarding since I was about 4 years old. At the time, it was either a wheelchair or skateboard to get around. A skateboard was my favorite means of transportation.

Y! BH; What is your favorite swimming event and what event are you trying out for in the 2012 London Olympics?

RGT; In swimming, my best event is the 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke. In Athens and Beijing Para-Olympics, I got gold and a new WR in the 200 IM and in Beijing I got a bronze in 100 breaststroke. For London I will be swimming those 2 events and relays.

Y! BH; How close are you to qualifying for the US Olympic trials in your event?

RGT; As of now, I'm ranked 1st in my best event the 200 IM. So London is looking good. But, I still need to qualify next April.

Y! BH; How many hours do you train a day?

RGT; I train 9 pool workouts a week, 2 hours a session. I'm in the gym 3 times a week for an hour. I run and bike 3 times a week as well because I do triathlons as well. In 2009, I was the first double above knee amputee to finish a Iron-man Triathlon. In one day, I will train about 5-7 hours.

Y! BH; Between the Iron-man, skateboarding and swimming, which do you enjoy the most and why?

RGT; My passion is swimming because I love to race. Triathlons for me is cross training and skateboarding is pure fun.

Y! BH; Besides sports, do you have a profession or job that you do on a daily basis?

RGT; I'm currently a spokes person for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. ( challengedathletes.org ) Since 1997, I've helped them raise 5+ million dollars to provide challenged athletes with sport prosthetics and racing wheelchairs.

Y! BH; Do you have any sponsors for skateboarding?

RGT; I do not have sponsors for skateboarding. If anyone wants to support me, let me know!

Y! BH; Do you have a role model that you look up to?

RGT; I don't have a single role model besides my family and friends. They always treat me the same as everyone else and always motivate me to be different.

Y! BH; Do you have a favorite saying?

RGT; My motto is "A brave heart is a powerful weapon. A brave heart can defeat anything in this world!"

Y! BH; What is your favorite music to listen to?

RGT; I love hip-hop, Lil Wayne is the greatest.. I also love some rock like The Mars Volta.

Y! BH; When not training, what does Rudy like to do for fun?

RGT; For fun, I like doing anything outdoors.. I hate sitting in one spot, I need to be on the move! Just today, I had someone tell me that I saved their life just by being me. He was going through a hard time and said if he didn't see me, he was going to end his life. So that's kinda like a bonus of loving the outdoors..

Y! BH; Do you have anything special you do to get up for competition?

RGT; I get pumped up listening to some good jams like Eminem. I get mentally prepared like I'm going into battle. I ask my past coach Jim Flowers and best friend who passed away. Gary for Strength and endurance as well.

Y! BH; When did you realize that you could not only beat your handicap but compete against others? In other words did you have a turning point in your life?

RGT; When I first started swimming, I would train and race against able-bodied kids and I was know as no leg boy. My first year of swimming, I would come in dead last and I hated that. I then made it my goal to beat a kid with legs. When I first did that, the kid next to me said, "dang the kid with no legs beat me" and when I heard that, I knew it was something I wanted to do for a long time. I also get to show everyone anything is possible, even if you think you have a disability, the real disability is having a negative attitude.

Y! BH; When your competition days are over, what do you see yourself doing in the future?

RGT; After I retire from sports, I would love to travel the world and show all the kids who are like me that you can still do whatever you want. The only limit you have is your mind. There are millions of kids and adults world wide who are told they cannot do things and they listen.. Life is much bigger than that. I feel I have a responsible to show them. Life is too short thinking of all the things you think you cant do. Again the real disability is having a negative attitude. I also wanna thank everyone who has made me who I am, all my supports and sponsors. Ossur, Powerbar and Challenged Athletes Foundation. My mom too!

Y! BH; On behalf of Yahoo Sports, I want to thank you for your interview. We will be watching your progress in the months to come.