Strength in Every Stride: Wildflower’s Impact on the Challenged Athletes Foundation

As we prepare to gather for another unforgettable Wildflower Triathlon, all of us at the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) want to take a moment to thank this incredible community for embracing our mission and supporting our athletes over the years.

CAF was founded on a belief that sport has the power to transform lives. For individuals with physical disabilities, access to sport can mean reclaiming independence, building confidence, and finding a community where they belong. Since 1994, CAF has provided over 52,000 grants totaling more than $191 million, helping athletes across the globe pursue their passion for sport with adaptive equipment, prosthetics, coaching, and travel support. This year alone, we’ve awarded over 4,025 grants totaling $6.55 million, and Wildflower continues to be one of the most special places where our athletes shine.

Over the years, Wildflower has become a home for CAF athletes—some competing in their first race, others veterans of the endurance world. Legends like Willie Stewart, who lost his arm in a construction accident and went on to redefine what’s possible in endurance sports, have made Wildflower a proving ground for resilience and grit. Willie’s story is one of pushing boundaries, and he’s inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps.

Travis Ricks, a former CAF staff member and athlete, has competed at Wildflower with heart and determination, reminding us that the race is about more than just miles—it’s about community and purpose. Travis, who lost his leg to cancer, now dedicates his life to helping others find their strength through sport, and Wildflower has been one of the many stages where he’s led by example.

Then there’s Breezy Bochenek, who took on Wildflower as a young athlete and quickly became a symbol of joy and tenacity. After losing her leg to cancer at age 10, Breezy found her freedom through running and triathlon, and Wildflower has been a part of that journey – a place where she’s inspired both seasoned competitors and first-timers alike.

Rudy Garcia-Tolson, born with multiple birth defects, including Pterygium Syndrome, a club foot, webbed fingers and a cleft lip and palate, endured 15 surgeries by the age of five before telling his parents he’d rather have a double leg amputation to live an active life. Since then, he’s become a six-time Paralympian, an Ironman, and a symbol of relentless perseverance. Rudy has raced Wildflower and shown what it means to turn challenge into triumph, proving that there are no limits when determination meets opportunity.

Other remarkable CAF athletes have also left their mark at Wildflower:

• Sarah Reinertsen, the first female leg amputee to finish the Ironman World Championship in Kona, has raced Wildflower and continues to inspire as a trailblazer for women in adaptive sports.

• Mark Barr, a two-time Paralympian and Ironman competitor, brings his unstoppable spirit to the course, proving that hard work and heart can overcome any obstacle.

• Scout Bassett, who lost her leg as an infant, is a fierce competitor and advocate for inclusion in sport. Her presence at Wildflower has shown what’s possible through grit and grace.

• Aaron Scheidies, a visually impaired triathlete, has dominated triathlon courses around the world, including Wildflower, with the help of guides and an unbreakable spirit.

• Chad Crittenden, known from “Survivor” and an accomplished amputee triathlete, has tackled Wildflower and continues to challenge perceptions about disability and competition.

• Creighton Wong, a long-time CAF athlete, has brought his passion for community and advocacy to Wildflower, embodying what it means to thrive through sport.

“Wildflower’s always been one of those special places where the impossible becomes possible,” said Bob Babbitt, CAF co-founder. “You feel the energy the moment you arrive. To see our athletes out there, racing hard and being cheered on like rockstars – it’s everything we’ve ever dreamed of at CAF. It’s about breaking barriers, changing lives, and proving that there are no limits when you’ve got heart, community, and opportunity.”

These athletes, along with so many others, have shown that with the right support, the impossible becomes possible. And it’s the Wildflower community—organizers, volunteers, fellow athletes, and spectators—that has played a crucial role in making this event a place where challenged athletes can thrive.

This year, as more CAF athletes take on the Wildflower course, they’ll be powered not just by their training, but by the strength of this community standing beside them. Your encouragement, belief, and support fuel our mission and help us continue to provide life-changing opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

Thank you for helping us create a space where every athlete can compete, connect, and celebrate. Together, we’re proving that sport has no limits. Learn more at  www.challengedathletes.org!