Kati Rooney

Kati has always been active in sports which included swimming, running, cycling. In October of 1997, while swimming in Lake Michigan, she was hit by an out of control boat which caused the amputation of her left leg below the knee. Following her accident, she was introduced to disabled sports and competed for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s swim team- The RIC Wave. She spent the next five years competing in many meets as well as Nationals in 1999, 2000 and 2001. One year after her amputation she started running and subsequently competed in a number of able-bodied races. She began cycling more seriously and fell in love with kayaking and cross-country skiing. She learned how to downhill ski for the first time in 1999.

Currently Kati is not training for any races. As she says, “I am just training for life” She uses a bicycle as her primary form of transportation all year round. She continues to swim in Lake Michigan every day for almost five months of the year as well as pool swimming in the winter months. She stays active with running and yoga. “Nothing makes me happier than getting out and enjoying a beautiful day- swimming in the big lake, running on my beautiful carbon fiber leg, jumping on my favorite bike, or skiing in the woods! Staying active and being strong is what makes me sure that I will always be able to face the challenges of being an amputee”.

Live Life without Limitations!