One Man's Leg: A Memoir

by Paul Martin

ONE MAN'S LEG is the story of world champion triathlete and Paralympic cyclist Paul Martin's life to date--and what a life it has been. Alternately funny, heartbreaking and thought provoking, few readers will fail to be captivated by Paul Martin's adventures--and misadventures! To read ONE MAN'S LEG is to experience the life of an athlete vicariously, to redefine "disability" (or is it "this ability?"), to learn the true meaning of team spirit, and to come to love the finish line, as it applies to each of us and no matter how far off we fear it might be.

Genres: Biography

223 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Buggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book just after the London Olympics ended because I suddenly had an extra 10 hours a day on my hands and really wanted to read something that captured the spirit of the games. Yeah I love the Olympics, from opening to closing ceremonies, but I’m especially a fan of the marathon, triathlon and all the behind the event, human interest stories. ONE MAN'S LEG seemed to have just what I was looking for.

Paul Martin’s story is truly inspirational but as much as this is a story about his leg it’s also just the story of the rise of an athlete. Paul’s easy and honest writing style plus the fact that he’s led a super interesting life make this a real page turner. And as much as I enjoyed reading about his athletic accomplishments I found myself equally engrossed in the early chapters regarding his difficult childhood, time spent as an ironworker, the multitude of accidents he suffered before (and after) the loss of his leg -jeez this guy is accident prone- and the often challenging relationship he had with his father.

At the age of 25 (after his fifth serious vehicular related accident) Paul lost his left leg below the knee and started on his journey to becoming a world champion athlete. He admits that “without his fortuitous accident he probably wouldn’t have walked the path of an athlete” adding “that if he could go back in time he wouldn’t change a thing.”

Personally I have a hard time considering a man who swims, bikes, runs marathons, plays hockey is an Olympic competitor and world champion athlete disabled at all. Through strength of spirit he is in my mind, super-abled.

Within a couple of years of his accident Paul’s life has taken on new meaning. He has completed the New York Marathon, joined the Paralympic ski team and a disabled cycling team. He is competing in triathlons almost every weekend and working his way up to an Iron Man. Speaking of which the chapter entitled “The Hawaiian Ironman” would have to be my favourite in the whole book. His descriptions left me exhausted and with a feeling that I was right there with him at the Energy Lab and throughout the entire 2.4 miles swim! 112 mile bike ride! And 26.2 mile run!

With a sense of humour Paul affectionately names his amputated leg “Stumpie” and throughout the many miles we get to know Stumpie and its assorted prosthetics pretty well.
”I chose not to walk in the parade of nations because I didn’t want to give Stumpie any unnecessary aggravation before the race.”
“Stumpie was having a bad day”
This line also stayed with me “Pain free running, I have discovered, may very well remain theoretical”

So if you need some inspiration or maybe you’re just feeling a little lazy, like oh I don’t have the energy to work out today or maybe you just miss the Olympics give Paul Martin’s bio a read, it’ll get your ass off the couch. Cheers
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[Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paul was a compelling keynote speaker at a corporate event that I attended a few years ago so I bought his book on my way out. Perhaps if the speech had been fresher in my mind I would've enjoyed the book more, but I found it to be a little thin and disappointing. It may have been more meaningful if I were an athlete. There's no doubt that Paul's story is inspiring, but on paper it leaves a little to be desired. The closing chapter had the substance I was looking for, but the rest left a little to be desired.

[Mark Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Paul Martin at a National Speaker's Association seminar. We were talking about running and triathlons, and then he told me that he was a below the knee amputee. Instead of stopping him, the accident that took his leg also opened up a new path for his life.

Paul's story is great not only because of what he's accomplished, but his spirit and attitude when he doesn't reach his goals. His grit and determination are admirable.

[Stefanie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Paul Martin at an event and heard him speak - He's charismatic and has an amazing life story. This book isn't necessarily sophisticated literature, but it's a really great read about a guy that's gone to the extreme - in good and bad ways - throughout every moment of his life. This book will motivate to appreciate what you have and what you can make of yourself.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paul helped me out when i was starting some amputee cycling research...i asked for his book, because he has always been so amazingly positive. like most people under tragedy, they don't ask "why did this happen to me". this book shows you how come questions like that become irrelevant.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is difficult to follow and the timeline jumps around. But he gives interesting details about being an amputee and prosthetics. The overall story of how a horrible accident changes his life almost make up for the bad writing. Almost.

[Kyle]

Soon to read for summer reading!!

[Kacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My family knew Paul so it made the book all the better