Marlon Shirley

Marlon Shirley is best known as a Paralympic athlete from the United States. He endured more obstacles throughout his early childhood than most people do throughout their entire life and has come to be one of most profound examples of an admirable fighter and competitor. Shirley grew up in and out of orphanages during his best days, after literally living on the streets at the young age of five. As a result of negligent care, a lawnmower accident left Shirley with am amputated left foot and his childhood continued to spiral out of control until he was adopted by the Shirley family from Utah at age nine. Since, Marlon has found peace and strength through the Shirley family and took up the sport of track and field to release old tensions. Since competing in the Paralympic Games, Shirley has won two gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze. In addition to these athletic accomplishments, he has founded a mentoring program for foster children and regularly inspires people across the country to push through any obstacle that they may endure throughout their lifetime. Shirley is widely regarded as a role model of the 21st century and is also, to no surprise, a recipient of the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award and a two-time ESPN ESPY Award winner.