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Suffered Horrific Crash, 6x Paralympic Medalist Recalls Gruesome Memory That Turned Into …

When Susannah Scaroni was just five years old, a car crash changed everything. The impact left her paralyzed, forcing her into a wheelchair and into a life she never asked for. But what could’ve ended her story before it began instead became the fire that fueled it. Scaroni didn’t just survive. She discovered a new […]

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2 weeks ago

April 21, 2025

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Suffered Horrific Crash, 6x Paralympic Medalist Recalls Gruesome Memory That Turned Into ...

When Susannah Scaroni was just five years old, a car crash changed everything. The impact left her paralyzed, forcing her into a wheelchair and into a life she never asked for. But what could’ve ended her story before it began instead became the fire that fueled it. Scaroni didn’t just survive. She discovered a new way to thrive. She found freedom, speed, and power not in spite of her wheelchair, but through it. And with every race, every grueling mile, she proved that being paralyzed didn’t mean standing still.

Her words say it best. “But what I was able to think about was how awesome and what a blessing it is to be alive and to get to be on a start line next to all the people whom I love being around.” That gratitude, rooted in something so painful, has shaped a marathon career marked by grit and grace. After all, who else can go from a bronze at the 5000m T54 to a triumphant victory at the Boston Marathon even after a mid-race setback? With this, she once showed the world what true resilience looks like.

In a race that’s been making history since 1970, Susannah didn’t just join the legacy. She became one. USA Track and Field posted a YouTube video highlighting Susannah Scaroni’s Paralympic journey in wheelchair racing, where she shared her life-changing experience. Susannah mentions, “When I was five years old, my mom, oldest brother, and I were in a car wreck. We slid on black ice into an oncoming vehicle, and I ended up sustaining a T12 complete spinal cord injury, which basically means right where my legs start, I have no sensation.”

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She further emphasizes the implications of her injury, saying, “I cannot use them at all.” This was the moment that changed Scaroni’s life forever. A tragic accident took away her ability to walk, but it did not take away her determination. Instead, it became the starting point of a story that would inspire athletes and dreamers alike. As she recalls, “I went back home to a very awesome community. And they’re so awesome because they just integrated me immediately into daily life.”

It’s this sense of community and acceptance that sparked something deep within her. Scaroni never saw her disability as a barrier. In fact, she took to it with the same spirit that drives every athlete to push beyond the limits. Scaroni’s perspective was shaped early on, as she recalled, “I think back to how lucky I was because when my classmates were rolling down our hill at recess, on their bodies, I was doing the same thing.”

Instead of seeing a barrier, she saw an opportunity to adapt and thrive. Scaroni’s ability to look at the world through a lens of possibility instead of limitation became her secret weapon. That mindset propelled her forward, not just to compete, but to conquer. From her Boston Marathon victory to standing on the podium in 2023, she’s rewritten what’s possible in wheelchair racing. Scaroni’s commitment to returning, despite the challenges, is a testament to the unwavering resolve that defines her career.

Susannah Scaroni’s strength shines through support

Despite facing a tough setback that led Susannah Scaroni to withdraw from both the 2024 Boston and London Marathons, the incredible support she received from the athletic community shows the deep bonds of camaraderie and resilience that run through sport. Paralympian Tatyana McFadden, with her remarkable twenty medals from multiple Summer Paralympic Games, shared her wisdom with Scaroni.

She quoted, “I know this choice wasn’t easy, especially in the moment, but in the long run you will come back stronger.” This heartfelt message of hope was echoed by Danelle D’Aquanni Umstead, a distinguished American alpine skier, who reassured her, “Sorry you have this setback. Remember, setbacks only lead to comebacks, girly. Heal fast and come back stronger.”

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The love and support kept flowing from all corners of the sporting world. Mary Wittenberg, a respected American sports executive, sent her well wishes, saying, “We’ll miss you, @suscaroni. Sending fast healing vibes,” while Rhonda M. Vetere, a globally respected C-suite technology executive, expressed heartfelt concern, “So sorry to hear this… Please rest. You will be missed.”

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Colombian wheelchair racer Francisco Sanclemente also offered encouragement, reminding her, “You’ll come back stronger for the Paralympics; good recovery.” These messages of support show that in sport, it’s not just about winning races. It’s about the strength and unity shared in the face of challenges. Even through her struggles, Scaroni’s spirit remains unshaken.

Having already secured her place on Team USA for the Paris Paralympics, she expressed the depth of her gratitude, “What a blessing it is to be alive and to get to be on a start line next to all the people who I love being around.” Her words reflect the heart of a true champion, someone who continues to rise, not just for herself, but for the community that has always supported her.

Related Topics:athlete athletic black car complete determination history new show speed sports team technology track track and field usa video YouTube

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Track and Field Travels North for Gary Wieneke Memorial

Story Links Gary Wieneke Memorial Demirjian Park | Champaign, Ill. May 2-3 | 11:30am (Fri) 10am (Sat) Schedule (TBA) | Live Stats ON-TAP: The Eastern Illinois Indoor Track and Field team is heading north up I-57 to participate in the University of Illinois Gary Wieneke Memorial at Demirjian Park in Champaign, Ill., […]

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60 minutes ago

May 2, 2025

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Gary Wieneke Memorial

Demirjian Park | Champaign, Ill.

May 2-3 | 11:30am (Fri) 10am (Sat)

Schedule (TBA) | Live Stats

ON-TAP: The Eastern Illinois Indoor Track and Field team is heading north up I-57 to participate in the University of Illinois Gary Wieneke Memorial at Demirjian Park in Champaign, Ill., on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3. This marks the second time this calendar year that Eastern Illinois has traveled to the University of Illinois for a Track and Field events as they competed in the Fighting Illini Challenge and Combined Events on Friday, Jan. 24.

Due to potential weather conditions, this weekend’s meet schedule is subject to change; however, a tentative schedule is currently in place.

Day one action will showcase only a few events from each the sprinters, jumpers, distance, and field athletes. Friday will kick off with only four events on the oval –100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 200m dash, and 5000m run. Meanwhile, field events and jumps will get started with hammer throw, javelin, and the triple jump.

Saturday’s will feature the remainder of the events throughout the day, ending with the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay in the evening.

EIU EARLY BIRD RECAP: The Eastern Illinois track and field team wrapped up a successful weekend at the Jim Freeman/Clark Wood Invitational at Owsley B. Frazier Cardinal Park, highlighted by multiple top finishes and personal or season bests.

Graduate distance runner Mackenzie Aldridge also competed Thursday at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, placing 18th in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 17:37.85.

Isabella Fabrizio opened the meet strong for the Panthers, finishing seventh in the shot put with a mark of 13.03 meters and 10th in the hammer throw with a personal-best 50.83 meters. Sam Bradbury followed with a 15.29-meter toss in the men’s shot put, also placing seventh.

Distance runners Kylie Haacke, Rylea Borgic and Cale Smith continued their strong seasons. Haacke ran a personal-best 17:44.89 to finish sixth in the 5,000. Borgic earned a personal best and placed fourth in the 3,000 steeplechase with a time of 11:03.22. Smith won the men’s 3,000 steeplechase in 9:18.16.

In the high jump, Kenyetietta Quinn won the “C” flight with a personal-best jump of 1.65 meters, while Porter Conroy placed fifth in the “B” flight at 1.85 meters. Abby Venhaus took third in the long jump with a season-best 5.71 meters as Abraham Johnson finished second in the triple jump with a mark of 15.26 meters.

Sprinter Daniel Lacy headlined the Panthers on the track, winning the 400-meter dash with a personal-best time of 46.39 seconds.

OVC TOP THREE: Ten Panther athletes, along with the men’s 4x100m Relay teams, currently sit in one of the top three spots in the OVC for their respective events.

Kylie Haacke’s performance in the 10,000m run at the WashU Distance Carnival has earned her the third spot on the podium in the OVC, as Rylea Borgic’s time of 11:03.22 in the 3000m Steeplechase at the Louisville has also earned her the second place spot in the conference. Cale Smith also recorded a strong 3000m Steeplechase finish at the Jim Freeman/Clark Wood Open, crossing the finish line in 9:18.16 to sit second in the OVC.

The Panther men’s 4x100m relay team, consisting of Jahleel Perrin, Daniel Lacy, Shawn Lacy, and Isreal Jackson posted a season best time last weekend, crossing the finish line in 40.93 to slide into the second place spot in the conference.

Daniel Lacy currently holds the second-place spot the 200m dash and the 4th place spot in the 100m dash. Lacy posted a time of 21.22 in the 200m at the Pacesetter Invitational and followed up with a time of 10.63 at the Normal Invite. His 400m time of 46.93 also puts him at the top of the 400m dash list in the OVC.

Abraham Johnson continues to build his freshman resume, as he currently holds the first-place spot in the triple jump after his performance at the Normal Invite on April, 11th. Taryn Tarquin also manufactured success in the sand pit, sliding into the third place spot in the OVC in the triple jump after posting a mark of 12.13m at the Gibson Invitational. In addition, Elijah Skutt moves his way onto the high jump leaderboards, posting a height of 2.01m at the Normal Invite to slide into the third place spot.

Hallee Thomas also had a successful home meet, securing the third-place spot in the conference in the 400m hurdles after posting a time of 1:02.79.

Sam Bradbury and Alex Stout fill out the leaderboard for the Panthers in the field events, as Bradbury holds third for the discus Stout sits in third for shot put.

NEXT UP: The Panthers are back in action next weekend for their final regular season meet of the 2025. EIU is slotted to head east to Terre Haute, Ind. for the third time this outdoor season to compete in the Sycamore Open at Gibson Track & Field Complex on Friday, May 9th.

Eastern Illinois will then prepare for the OVC Outdoor Championships the following weekend, hosted on May 15-17 at Abe Stuber Track Complex on the campus of Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

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Seattle Mariners Prospect Tyler Locklear Named Minor League Co

One of the hottest hitters in the Seattle Mariners minor league system has been recognized for his torrid first month of the season in the organization’s first set of monthly minor league awards. First baseman Tyler Locklear (Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers) was named the Mariners minor league co-hitter of the month on Thursday. Top 100 prospect […]

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1 hour ago

May 2, 2025

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Seattle Mariners Prospect Tyler Locklear Named Minor League Co

One of the hottest hitters in the Seattle Mariners minor league system has been recognized for his torrid first month of the season in the organization’s first set of monthly minor league awards.

First baseman Tyler Locklear (Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers) was named the Mariners minor league co-hitter of the month on Thursday. Top 100 prospect Lazaro Montes (High-A Everett AquaSox) was the other batter to earn the honor.

These guys were on fire

Congratulations to our April Minor League Players of the Month! #TridentsUp

https://t.co/ykogwRi7JZ pic.twitter.com/wDXeT7ghFa

— Mariners Player Development (@MsPlayerDev) May 1, 2025

Locklear has scored 12 runs this season and has hit 12 doubles, two home runs and 17 RBIs in 26 games entering Thursday. He’s slashed .317/.400/.485 with an OPS of .885 in that stretch. He’s had a base hit in 17-of-26 games, has 10 multi-hit games and two four-hit games.

Some people do Easter Egg Hunts, others will hunt for where this Tyler Locklear home run went pic.twitter.com/KuA8ZYlHbO

— Tacoma Rainiers (@RainiersLand) April 20, 2025

The 24-year-old Locklear was picked in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Virginia Commonwealth. He was promoted to Triple-A for the first time and made his major league debut last season. He had a double, two homers and three RBIs in 16 games for Seattle last season. He had a slash line of .156/,224/.311 with a .535 OPS in his first taste of the big leagues.

Locklear (No. 11 Mariners prospect according to MLB Pipeline) was thought to the organization’s long-term answer at first base as recent as a season ago. His struggles nixed the possibility of a longer stay in the majors last season.

Locklear hasn’t had a batting average lower than .263 this year with the Rainiers. And his solid year might lead to him returning to the big leagues soon.

MARINERS SELECT OUTFIELDER RHYLAN THOMAS FROM TRIPLE-A TACOMA RAINIERS: The Mariners brought up the former USC product after an injury to outfielder Luke Raley. CLICK HERE

TOP 100 MARINERS PROSPECT JONNY FARMELO HITS HOME RUN IN 2025 DEBUT: The Mariners outfielder hit a homer in his first game of the season, as he comes back from a torn ACL. CLICK HERE

SEATTLE MARINERS SELECT SAMAD TAYLOR FROM TRIPLE-A TACOMA: Taylor will get his first look in the majors this season after the Mariners placed Gold Glove winner Dylan Moore on the 10-day injured list. CLICK HERE

You can also follow Teren Kowatsch on social media on Twitter @Teren_Kowatsch.

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Trump Slams Trans Athletes In Women's Sports In AL Speech Despite Melania Not Liking …

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1 hour ago

May 2, 2025

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2025 USA Water Polo Division III Women’s Collegiate Water Polo National Championship Bracket Announced

Story Links Rock Island, IL – May 1 – The USA Water Polo Division III Women’s Collegiate Water Polo National Championship returns this season with competition headed to Rock Island, IL from May 3-4. Augustana College earned hosting honors after claiming the 2025 Collegiate Water Polo Association Conference Championship. They will be joined in […]

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2 hours ago

May 2, 2025

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USA Water Polo Division III National Championship

Rock Island, IL – May 1 – The USA Water Polo Division III Women’s Collegiate Water Polo National Championship returns this season with competition headed to Rock Island, IL from May 3-4. Augustana College earned hosting honors after claiming the 2025 Collegiate Water Polo Association Conference Championship. They will be joined in the competition by CWPA runner-up Washington & Jefferson, Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions Pomona-Pitzer, and SCIAC runner-up Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

Admission for the tournament is $12 for the day or $20 for the weekend. To purchase tickets, click here. All games will stream live on Overnght with live stats available courtesy of The FOSH. Team rosters can be accessed here.

Pool Location:

Lindberg Center

Anne Greve Lund Natatorium

Rock Island, IL 61201

Game Schedule (all times Central):

Saturday May 3rd:

2:00 PM: Pomona-Pitzer vs. Washington & Jefferson (Live Stats)

4:00 PM: Claremont-Mudd-Scripps vs. Augustana (Live Stats)

Sunday May 4th:

10:30 AM: 3rd Place Game

12:30 PM: 1st Place Game

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Breakthrough Year For Girls Beach Volleyball Team From WHS

WHS Beach Volleyball Team — (Front row) Carley Treanor, Grace Kouf, Brielle Dorish and Maddie Lee; and (back row) Faith DiMaria, Fabiana Rumbos, Olivia Roque, Isabela Duque, Gabriella Marotta, Jill St. Leger, Erica Bojanowski, Juliana Nunes, Nicole Koch, Madeline Martinez, Kristin Haggerty and Audrey Keefe. It has been a memorable and historic season for the […]

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3 hours ago

May 2, 2025

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WHS Beach Volleyball Team — (Front row) Carley Treanor, Grace Kouf, Brielle Dorish and Maddie Lee; and (back row) Faith DiMaria, Fabiana Rumbos, Olivia Roque, Isabela Duque, Gabriella Marotta, Jill St. Leger, Erica Bojanowski, Juliana Nunes, Nicole Koch, Madeline Martinez, Kristin Haggerty and Audrey Keefe.

It has been a memorable and historic season for the girls beach volleyball team from Wellington High School.

On Thursday, April 24, Wellington’s 17-member squad won its first-ever Florida High School Athletic Association district tournament title when the Wolverines defeated the Cobras from Park Vista High School, 4-1.

That victory earned Wellington an automatic berth in the FHSAA’s Class 3A state tournament. That District 14 title victory against Park Vista earned Wellington the No. 3 seed in Region 4. As luck would have it, Park Vista earned an at-large bid, based on its strong ranking, and was awarded the sixth seed, which pitted Wellington against Park Vista for the third time this season in a regional quarterfinal clash on Tuesday, April 29. Both prior matches against Park Vista were won by Wellington.

In the regional quarterfinal match, Wellington defeated Park Vista for the third time this season, 4-1. That win propelled Wellington (13-3) to a Class 3A, Region 4 semifinal encounter against second-seeded St. Thomas Aquinas from Fort Lauderdale. That match was played on Wednesday, April 30 in Pompano Beach. The result was unavailable at press time.

For this year’s squad from WHS, led by head coach Sergio Rios, the ultimate goal is to reach the FHSAA’s Class 3A state finals for beach volleyball, which will be held in Tallahassee on Florida State University’s beach volleyball courts on May 9-10.

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High school girls’ beach volleyball: Southern Section semifinal results

SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS THURSDAY’S RESULTS SEMIFINALS DIVISION 1 Mira Costa 5, Los Alamitos 0 Redondo Union 3, JSerra 2 DIVISION 2 Millikan 4, South Torrance 1 Long Beach Wilson 3, Capistrano Valley Christian 2 DIVISION 3 Anaheim Canyon 4, Campbell Hall 1 Long Beach Poly 3, Linfield Christian 2 SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE FINALS […]

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3 hours ago

May 2, 2025

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