Adrianne Haslet: 10 Years Later, 10 Years Stronger
Adrianne Haslet
Speaker, Advocate, Athlete
Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor
Adrianne Haslet is a remarkable individual who has demonstrated true heroism and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. She survived the devastating Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013, but injuries sustained led to an amputation on her left leg below the knee. However, instead of letting this tragedy define her, Adrianne refused to be defeated and took up running, using a blade prosthetic. Her perseverance and hard work paid off when she completed the Boston Marathon just three years later.
Adrianne’s determination has not only inspired millions but has also made a real difference in the world. She has become an advocate for amputee rights, working to help athletes with physical disabilities participate in sports across the nation. Her efforts have led to the creation of a new division for Athletes with limb differences in the Boston Marathon, making history and changing the lives of many athletes.
Adrianne has not let her injury stop her from pursuing her passions. She is a speaker, advocate, and athlete, inspiring others with her resilience and determination. Her story is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Adrianne Haslet is a true American hero; her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Learn More About Adrianne:
Name/Where you grew up:
I grew up right outside of Seattle, Washington, in the lakefront town of Issaquah. My parents owned and operated an independent book and record store in the city. We had different musicians, bands, artists, and illustrators at our kitchen table every night. It was an artistic way to grow up!
What does the Boston Marathon mean to you?
Teamwork and mental resilience! Running is a solo sport, where we put one foot in front of the other and do the work ourselves. Yet no one can do a marathon alone. It takes your family and friends believing in your dream, your coach helping plan your workouts, your running buddies pacing you, and, the best part, the spectators cheering as loud as possible from Hopkinton to Boston. The spectators take their role very seriously, and no matter the weather, they are out there to let you know this is the day to make your most prominent dream come true! It also means having mental resilience, fighting past the urge to give in or give up on a hill or the tough days. It means believing in the dream long after the mood you made it in has passed. It means taking a big risk and acknowledging that that is why we do this!
What is your biggest motivator?
It’s impossible to stay motivated or expect to be motivated every day. One of the most important things I’ve learned came from Brad Stulberg. He writes that we are often mistaken in thinking motivation comes before movement. In reality and science, it is the other way around. We need to get moving in order to feel motivated. About five to ten minutes into movement, you’ll be motivated to keep going. So I discipline myself to get up, get dressed, and get out the door before I decide whether I will or won’t get after it today!
What is your favorite tradition?
Growing up, my two older twin-brothers and I would go to my grandmother’s house every Sunday for brunch. It was the best. The conversations, the food, gathering in tradition every week and sharing stories was so simple – yet so meaningful. While she has since passed and we are all living in different states, getting my loved ones around my table and making a meal is my love language. I continue that tradition in her honor by gathering loved ones as often as possible.
What was the filming process like for the Partners Bank // Adrianne Haslet commercial?
It was both fun and fascinating! Casey Nava and I met years ago, and I knew he had an eye as a videographer, but to see him in action and witness his vision coming to life throughout Zoom meetings, on set, and now the final product is incredible! We also did a casting call in my community for young girls with limb difference/limb loss, and to meet them and hear how meaningful it is to make a commercial with people that looked like them was exceptional! I find it a gift to peer into someone else’s passions and see them in their element.
What is your most significant piece of “life advice”?
What will get you to the finish line is nothing compared to what got you to the start. So often, we focus all of our energy and mental strength on how far we have to go, yet, we forget all of the obstacles we have already overcome to get us there. If we took more time to celebrate how far we have come, we would be more likely to set goals in the future.
