The Los Angeles Marathon has long been one of the city’s biggest events for runners – but this year it might just be the biggest event for one local skateboarder.
Jesse Swalley doesn’t fit the prototypical mold of a skateboarder. He’s a Navy veteran, has a mustache that would impress even Tom Selleck and he only has the use of one leg. Swalley has been paralyzed since 1991 after being stabbed in his left leg but that hasn’t stopped him from doing what he loves — now the 51-year-old Sylmar, Calif. native hopes to make history at next year’s marathon.
There’s just one small problem: skateboards are not currently allowed at the event, but Steve Sugerman, a spokesman for ASICS, hinted to one Los Angeles based website that those in charge of the L.A. Marathon might be able to make an exception in Swalley’s case. If Swalley were to compete, he would be in the Athlete With Disabilities category and ineligible for prizes.
Swalley was 22 when he lost use of his leg. He was stabbed trying to help one of his friends out in a fight outside of a bar. The result cut Swalley’s spinal cord in half at the t-12 level.
“I got stabbed in the back and then they got me four times and they [doctors] said I was going to lose use of both legs and this arm, and I was in a wheelchair for awhile,” he told Adrenaline-Fueled. “I was told the day after I got stabbed, after the surgery, they said I’d never walk again. The first thing I said is if I can’t walk how can I skate?”
After 20 years, Swalley figured out a way to enjoy the sport and decided to give it another shot.
“I never lost the inspiration to skate, I just finally realized that there was still a way for me to skate,” he added. “I was messing around in my house and I sat on my board in the position I ride in, I pushed myself around and figured I could do it so I gave it a shot and did it. Ever since then, I’ve been skating.”
Since 2011 he’s skated in San Diego’s Adrenalina Skateboard Marathon and three CicLAVias, while typically skateboarding 5 to 10 miles each day. He hopes to be an inspiration to a friend recently stricken to a wheelchair – but little does he know, he’s been an inspiration to many in the L.A. area.
Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
