Allysa Seely

The backstory:
Allyssa Seely began entered the world of triathlons through her collegiate club triathlon team, signed up for races to try something new. Before her diagnosis and eventual amputation, she was a nationally ranked triathlete. In 2010, Seely was diagnosed with Chiara II Malformation, basilar invagination, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, impacting her brain, spine and connective tissues. Surgeries and complications led to an below the knee amputation of her left leg in 2013. While her place within the triathlon world shifted, Seely continued to compete and thrive. She went on to become a three-time ITU Paratriathlon World Champion (2015, 2016, 2018) and a 2016 Paralympic Gold Medalist, among her other accomplishments.

Away from the competition:
Seely spends time outside the course with her service dog Mowgli, who is by her side in both training and life adventures. Throughout all her competition travels, she began collecting postcards and mini silver spoons from each spot. In 2019 Seely was awarded with an ESPY for Best Female Athlete with a Disability.

In their own words:
“If you have a dream and a desire to do it, you’ll find a way to make it happen.”

“I really fell in love with the sport, the culture, the community. I stuck around for a lot longer than I anticipated!”

Learn more:
Team USA: “Allysa Seely Triathlon”
Triathlete: “A Day in the Life of Paralympic Triathlete Allysa Seely”
International Paralympic Committee: “Allysa Seely USA Triathlon”
ESPN: “Paratriatlete Allysa Seely on prosthetics and PRs”