RESILIENCE RELAY FEATURED ATHLETE: HOLLY

Achilles Resilience Relay 2021

HOLLY KOESTER

United States Army Captain (Retired) Holly Koester.  Holly served the United States as a Captain for 10 years.  Her military career completed when she sustained permanent injury from an accident while she was in the service.  For Holly, however this was a new beginning.  “When I was first injured, I thought my active life was over,” Koester said. “After discovering wheelchair sports, I realized that is clearly about as far from the truth as can be imagined.” Holly has had many personal achievements, including being the first person to conquer a full marathon in all 50 states, using a pushrim racing chair!  In addition to her accomplishments in sports, she is a canine enthusiast and has a heart of gold that infects all who are lucky enough to come in contact with her!  During the pandemic, Holly stayed connected with her Achilles friends.  She says, “I loved participating with the AFT-Team Achilles Kids Virtutal Camp, our dance parties and zoom get-togethers.”  And the wheels never stopped for Holly.  “I live in Ohio and am very glad there are lots of beautiful bike routes. My family has helped me with my handcycling - My younger sister bikes with me weekly. My roommate got a trek bike so she can ride with me. My twin sister, brother and 2 nephews - all out of state get together to ride once a month!”  Holly is looking forward to putting in some more mileage and bonding with her AFT teammates.  And we are very honored to have her in the Achilles community!

Click here to support Holly and the other athletes participating in the Achilles Resilience Relay.

Check out some of our other amazing athletes below:

William Alvarez | Dustin Baker | Patricia Crebase | Omar Duran | Earl Granville | Jenny Hwang

Cesar Jimenez | Cedric King | Holly Koester | Warren Knight | Alison Lynch & Zoe Costanza

John Masson | Irwin Ramirez | Eric Strong | Mike Sprouse | Zach Stinson