More than a track star—Katie is a force of nature, a symbol of strength, and a rising voice in the adaptive sports world.
By Rick Bontkowski
August is hot, and in the heat of summer, resilience often takes center stage, and few embody it like 16-year-old Katie Eddington. A soon-to-be junior in high school, Katie is currently competing at the national level in Michigan, where she recently set national records in the 100 m, javelin, and long jump in her T63 classification.
Katie’s journey began with a tragic lawnmower accident at age four that resulted in 22 surgeries before she and her family made the courageous decision to amputate her right leg above the knee. Just months later, Katie was not only walking with a prosthesis, but she was running.
At the age of six, she completed her first 5K. Today, she’s competed in more than 25 races and is recognized nationally for her accomplishments in track and field. But her true strength isn’t measured in medals; it’s in her mindset.
On the 10th anniversary of her accident, Katie hosted a community blood drive as a way to give back. Her story has become a beacon of hope for others navigating life after trauma, especially in the limb loss community.
Katie and her incredible mom, Samantha, recently appeared on the AMP’D UP211 Podcast, where I had the privilege of meeting this dynamic duo and hearing their inspiring story firsthand. Their charity work with 50 Legs is nothing short of miraculous. With her blade to the ground and fire in her heart, Katie runs a race fueled by grit, grace, and a vision for something greater. In her stride, we see courage. In her voice, hope. And in her example, a reminder that some warriors wear blades, not armor.
Rick Bontkowski, a Chicago native and amputee, is the host creator of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast. A drummer, cyclist, and advocate, Rick shares the stories of people with limb differences to inspire, inform, and challenge perceptions worldwide. Contact info: Ampup211@gmail.com, ampup211.com, youtube.com/@theampdup211podcast6, instagram.com/rick_bontkowski.
