Dear friends, family, and supporters,

My name is Mabio Costa, and I’m here with a request that’s deeply personal. At 56 years old, I’ve taken on the incredible challenge of racing in triathlons and road races (5Ks and 10Ks) against able-bodied athletes—all while being the only amputee in my age group.

But despite giving it my all and actively seeking sponsorships and support, I was unable to participate in the 2025 Triathlon Nationals due to lack of funding.

Still, I’m not giving up.

In fact—I’m just getting started again.

I am now racing with a bigger mission:

To be the first amputee athlete to qualify for Nationals and Worlds in the able-bodied age group division.

This journey isn’t just about medals. It’s about proving that resilience beats limitation, and showing my daughters—now 15 and 12—that anything is possible when you keep going.

But I can’t do this alone.

The costs of racing, travel, accommodations, race entry fees, equipment maintenance (including my prosthetic blade)—are significant. That’s why I’m asking for your help. Every dollar donated will go directly toward supporting my 2025–2026 racing season, which includes over 24 triathlons and multiple 5K and 10K events as I aim to qualify for the next Nationals and Worlds.

A Bit About My Journey

I was born in Brazil with a congenital limb malformation. At the age of 11, I had my left foot amputated below the knee. Just months after the amputation, I joined the Brazilian swim team, and by 1987 I became the first amputee to compete and place in an official triathlon in South America.

In 1990, I moved to New York in search of a carbon fiber running leg and later helped develop the rules that allowed athletes with physical challenges to compete in International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships.

When physically challenged athletes were first accepted in 1996—I proudly brought home a World Championship title.

Following 9/11, I chose to become a U.S. citizen, and soon after, I won the 2004 Triathlon World Championship representing Team USA. In 2006, I was honored to be a flag bearer for the U.S. delegation at the World Championships in Switzerland.

I took a break from competition in 2011 after racing the NYC Triathlon—but during the pandemic, I made a comeback. I wanted my daughters to see me do what I love. Since then, I’ve been stronger than ever—podium finishes, personal bests, and an unshakable belief in the power of never giving up.

How You Can Help

Your support, no matter the amount, makes a real difference.

Whether it covers one race entry fee, helps pay for travel, or contributes to maintaining my prosthetic running blade, you become part of every finish line I cross.

If you have any questions or want to know more about my journey, I’d be honored to share.

Thank you for believing in this mission and helping me continue proving that limitations are just the starting line.

With deep gratitude,

Mabio Costa

Two-time World Triathlon Champion

Proud Father | Amputee Athlete | Team USA