Athlete defies obstacles at MBAC

Learning a new sport is always challenge, but for Dan Leonard, a left-arm amputee, that's what makes it fun. Dan lost his arm in an industrial accident when he was 23 years old, but hasn’t let it limit his enthusiasm for atheletics. After relocating to San Diego from Canada, Dan discovered MBAC, and was soon devoting his time to adding surfing and rowing to his list of things that won't hold him back.

Dan’s impressive athletic track record begins long before his experience at MBAC. From bullriding to international competitive events, he has done it all. In 1984, he competed in the Paralympics, won silver medals in the javelin and shotput events, and took gold in discus. Motivated by that experience, Dan decided to train for the 1987 Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii.

“That first year I trained for Ironman was really difficult,” he says. “I pushed myself so hard that I heat-stroked and couldn’t finish the race.” Not to be beaten, he returned the following year, but with a new goal."Initially the Ironman event organizers wanted me to compete in the ‘disabled’ category. I had to fight to be considered a regular athlete. I didn’t want my disability to define me.” He succeeded and completed the race. “It was one of the best feelings of my life.”

In addition to his athletic endeavors, Dan has devoted a lot of time helping other people with disabilities get involved in sports. In the early 80’s, Dan volunteered at the Variety Village in Vancouver, a charity and gym that allows kids with disabilities to experience all kinds of sports. This altruistic motivation is much of the reason Dan decided to come to MBAC.

“I want to learn to row so I can teach other amputees and persons with disabilities how it's done. It’s a great sport that everyone should be able to enjoy.”

Using a prosthetic built specifically for his shoulder, Dan is able to control the 13-foot rowing oars through a series of nylon webbing loops and carabiners, designed by himself with the help of MBAC instructoors. His one arm does most of the work, but the setup allows him to use his shoulder strength as much as any other athlete. When asked about the challenges of learning how to row, he said “you’re supposed to use your legs more than anything, so I didn’t figure there would be a problem!”

So far, it’s been working well. Anna Simeon, one of Dan’s instructors, says he’s a valuable asset to her class. “He’s absolutely determined to make this work; the other students are definitely inspired by his ability and can-do attitude.”

Dan's efforts and success offer the same inspiration to his fellow classmates in his surfing class. His surfing instructor was getting the surfboards set up for class one morning and notice one board was already missing. After investigating he found the Dan with the board practicing his pop-ups in the sand.

"I was blown away by his dedication to learning," the instructor said. " I have no doubt that he will successfully learn to surf."

“Learning a new sport for me is always a great experience,” Dan reflects. “it may be tough at first, but the experience and results are always worth it.”