Fastest Man In the World: The Tony Volpentest Story

Tony Volpentest, a four-time Gold Medalist and five-time World Champion sprinter, holds the title as the fastest runner in the world. But the awards would be hard-won. Born without hands and feet-a condition so rare it does not have a name-Doctors said he would never be able to walk without prosthetics or special accommodations. Tony proved them all wrong when he started walking at fifteen months old, and went on to do everything any other kid could do-ride a bike, play basketball, learn to write.
In high school he took up the least likely sport for someone without feet-track. Through sheer will, determination, and perseverance he went from last place in every race to the pinnacle of his sport-becoming a Paralympic gold medalist and world-record holder-a tour de force who dominated the sprint distances.

Tony Volpentest, a 2012 nominee for the Olympic Hall of Fame and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee's Team USA Ambassador Program. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including the United States Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year, Sports Star of the Year, and Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year. He has served as the national spokesman for Shriners Hospitals, and has been featured on radio and TV talk shows around the globe.