KENNESAW, Ga. — It started as a way for one recent Kennesaw State University graduate to reminisce on their favorite childhood activities two years ago. The hobby would then earn them a spot on the U.S. national paraclimbing team.
Mary Tankersley lost their leg when they had bone cancer at just 11, but they did not let that define their story.
"Just like going about my days and just being mindful and just kind of realizing like I'm doing things that like able-bodied people do all the time, but my body is just working harder," said the paraclimber.
Tankersley shared their love for the sport before they were an amputee, which then led to them working at a rock climbing gym right down the street from where they lived.
"I just remember having a blast and it was, those were all times where I didn't have a leg. And it wasn't an issue," said Tankersley.
Their love for the sport grew when a friend informed them about an adaptive climbers festival.
Tankersley then found a local organization that allowed them to compete regionally. That's when they grew the confidence to compete nationally landing a spot on the team after placing third in a competition.
"It's pretty cool to be able to, like, do something like climbing that I know that people struggle with. But for me, I can do it," they said.
The paraclimber also explained that rock climbing is their favorite sport because it engages in "a level of mindfulness and presence with a massive sense of peace."
Although the cancer was a rough moment of their life, Tankersley is appreciative of all they have experienced being an amputee.
"I've experienced enough and I've met enough people and I've also experienced more disabled people too, where there's the pride of being disabled and I'm able to more easily acknowledge," they said.
Wish them luck, as the paraclimber will have to re-qualify again for the national team next year in March in Maryland.
Kennesaw State graduate earns spot on US national paraclimbing team
