Episode 42: Redefining running with Zach Friedley
This week Emma is joined by Zach Friedley, professional trail runner, adaptive athlete, and passionate advocate for inclusion in sport.
From the US, Zach was born missing his right leg above the knee. He founded Born to Adapt, an organisation which aims to create events and space for disabled people all over the world.
He shares his journey with prosthetics, how it felt the first time he had a blade and the differences between being born without part of your leg compared to losing it later in life, and how that affects how you get on with prosthetics.
He also talks about how accessibility in sport is about more than equipment.
Sponsored by On, Zach is a regular at major trail and road events, and will be on the start line of the iconic New York marathon on Sunday 2nd November.
Expect to hear:
How he found running
His prosthetics journey
The story behind Born to Adapt
Barriers and challenges for adaptive athletes
His vision for the future of inclusive sport
This is a wonderfully eye-opening and deeply inspiring episode that explores resilience, visibility in sport, and what it means to adapt.
Follow Zach Friedley on socials and check out Born to Adapt to learn more about the mission.
Want to hear more about trail running? Check out our other episodes with Juliette Denny, ultra running legend Damian Hall and breathwork coach and runner David ‘Jacko’ Jackson.
