Shark Attack Survivor, 25, to Run NYC Marathon After Losing Foot

Ali Truwit, a 25-year-old shark attack survivor, is set to participate in the TCS New York City Marathon this November. Her inspiring journey began with a tragic incident that changed her life forever.

Shark Attack Incident

During a snorkeling trip in Turks and Caicos in 2023, Truwit was attacked by a shark. The incident resulted in the loss of her left foot and part of her leg. She underwent surgery on her 23rd birthday, receiving an amputation below the knee.

Early Recovery

Following the attack, Truwit was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami. She underwent two major surgeries and spent time recovering under the care of trauma doctors. Initially, she struggled with her new reality and asked her parents to put away her shorts and skirts, unwilling to expose her prosthetic leg.

Reclaiming Her Life

As a lifelong athlete, Truwit was determined to return to sports. She began swimming again just three months after her injury. Truwit explained, “I had to learn how to love this new body without my left lower leg, and that was really hard.”

Path to the Marathon

By December 2023, Truwit had made significant progress. She competed in the U.S. Paralympic Swimming National Championships and aimed for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where she set two American records and earned silver medals.

In July 2024, she acquired a running blade prosthetic, designed for speed. Inspired by her recovery, Truwit began training for the marathon. She documented her training journey on social media, overcoming challenges like adapting to uneven surfaces.

Challenges and Achievements

• Running with a prosthetic requires careful limb management to avoid potential issues like infections.
• Truwit shared her experiences with the high costs of prosthetics and limited insurance coverage.

Stronger Than You Think

In December 2024, Truwit founded a nonprofit called Stronger Than You Think. The organization advocates for water safety, access to prosthetics, and support for the Paralympic movement. Truwit has helped donate 11 prosthetic legs to women and girls in need.

Future Goals

Truwit is also fundraising $100,000 for her nonprofit while running the NYC Marathon with 11 family members and friends. She views this race as not just a challenge but a healing journey. Her aspirations extend to competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

On her journey, Truwit reflects, “It was very top of mind coming out of the attack, would I ever run again? It’s been really healing to have the goal and work towards it.”