Gretsch has brains, brawn — and maybe an ESPY - STLtoday.com
, native who was born with spina bifida, was about to make her first run at a triathlon at a camp in Chicago. Because of the birth defect, Gretsch has weaker muscle control in her legs and uses crutches to get around. For the triathlon, she had to learn how to use a hand cycle for the biking portion. “You talk to a lot of people who do triathlons, and they’ll say if you do the first one, it kind of hooks (you) from there,” she said. “That’s what happened with me. ”. A lot has happened in the three years since Gretsch, 23, completed her first triathlon. Now undefeated in international events, Gretsch has been nominated for Best Female Athlete with a Disability at this year’s ESPY Awards, which airs at 7 p. m. Wednesday on ABC (KDNL, Channel 30 locally). For Gretsch, it’s just another reminder that her work on and off the triathlon course have paid off. Whether she’s swimming or biking, Gretsch knows it’s all in the arms. They are, after all, the only way she can propel herself in the three triathlon events. “I think for anyone competing in a sport, it’s challenging to push your body,” Gretsch said. “I’m using different equipment, but you’re pushing yourself just as much as other people would be. ”. Even so, her disability never discouraged Gretsch from participating in sports. Source: www.stltoday.com
