The weekend marked another big milestone for a Bakersfield Marine who lost both of his legs in the Iraq War. Evan Morgan traveled to Malibu where he participated in a grueling triathlon and inspired many celebrities along the way.
"I just do this because I want to, but if I can inspire other people that's great," said Evan Morgan.
The Bakersfield marine has made it his life's mission to regain what was taken away from him. In 2003, Morgan lost both legs and the sight in his right eye when an improvised explosive device went off under his Humvee in Iraq, but he's not letting injury interfere with his passions.
The Bakersfield father, turned fearless athlete, swam, biked and ran his way through another finish line, this time at the prestigious Nautica Malibu Triathlon. "There were a few challenges, but there always are," said Morgan. "What can you do you just keep going."
And morgan is going. For months he has been competing with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, an organization dedicated to restoring hope for athletes who may have lost it.
"We're active guys, we want to get back in the swing of things, were used to running and jumping."" continued Morgan.
Many have had life altering injuries, but have chosen the road to recovery instead of a life of regret. "Everything is possible. if you want to do it, you can do it," said J.P. Theberge with the Challenged Athletes Foundation. "There are no limits in life. You just have to push as much as you can and you'll be able to accomplish whatever you set out to do."
It's a message that some Hollywood celebrities on hand for the competition are taking to heart. "But it makes me think...wow," said actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar. "Why do I complain about the small things when these individuals have had life changing experiences and are still able to enjoy life. It's such a testament to their energy and spirit, I have nothing but respect for them."
Actress Tiffani Thiessen adds, "It's extremely inspirational and to know what they have been through and then there they're coming out here to fight a different fight, its really amazing."
Many famous faces competed in Sunday's triathlon, and some couldn't believe what they were seeing. "It's such a heartwarming and inspirational thing to see people out there with missing limbs and passing me. It's unbelievable, it's unbelievable," added actor Scott Foley.
Famed supermodel Cindy Crawford says she was taken aback by the challenged athletes' strength and determination. "I'm here with my kids," she said. "And for them to see that people can overcome those kinds of challenges in their life is really inspirational."
And it's what keeps athletes like Evan Morgan going. The Bakersfield Marine says this finish line is only the starting point to overcoming life's most difficult obstacles.
Homes for our Troops is in the process of building a home for Evan and his family in Bakersfield, but they still need volunteers. If you would like to help you can call 1-866-7-troops or visit their website "homesforourtroops.org."
