This uplifting picture book tells the amazing true story of Minda Dentler, the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship triathlon. Minda Dentler made history when she became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the world’s toughest triathlon, using only her arms to finish a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile marathon. But the journey there wasn’t easy. Minda was paralyzed as an infant in India after contracting polio, and was left in the care of an orphanage. After she was adopted by an American family and moved to Washington, she underwent surgeries to enable her to walk with leg braces and crutches. As she grew, she faced many challenges, but remained undeterred by her disability. Her decision to begin training and competing in triathlons was no different. Despite the obstacles and failures she experienced along the way, Minda’s persistence and determination in the face of setbacks helped her to make sports history and inspire people around the world to rethink what’s possible!

Learn about over 50 athletes who were the first to break barriers, rules, and records in bold and fearless ways! Fearless Firsts: Athletes Who Changed the Game celebrates over 50 athletes who broke barriers, rules, and records, transforming the world of sports. While these athletes came from different backgrounds and overcame unique struggles, they had one thing in common: they would not take “You can’t” for an answer. With a don’t-give-up attitude, these fearless firsts fought for what they believed in and created a better sports world. In this book, kids will read about very famous athletes, like Jackie Robinson and Simone Biles. They’ll also discover the first female drag-racing champion and the first Latino American baseball superstar. They’ll meet the first Olympian with an amputated leg, the first blind Ironman racer, the first transgender college champion, and the first Asian American Olympic gold medalists. Beyond individual athletes, they’ll learn how Title IX impacted sports, why the Paralympics matters, and the history behind the Haudenosaunee lacrosse team. By the time they’re done reading, whether an athlete or not, kids will be inspired to stay optimistic, fight against injustice, and be fearless in anything they set your mind to!

This uplifting picture book tells the amazing true story of Minda Dentler, the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship triathlon. Minda Dentler made history when she became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the world’s toughest triathlon, using only her arms to finish a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile marathon. But the journey there wasn’t easy. Minda was paralyzed as an infant in India after contracting polio, and was left in the care of an orphanage. After she was adopted by an American family and moved to Washington, she underwent surgeries to enable her to walk with leg braces and crutches. As she grew, she faced many challenges, but remained undeterred by her disability. Her decision to begin training and competing in triathlons was no different. Despite the obstacles and failures she experienced along the way, Minda’s persistence and determination in the face of setbacks helped her to make sports history and inspire people around the world to rethink what’s possible!