Elizabeth Marr - UnThinkable

            “UnThinkable” is the autobiography of Scott Rigsby, written with Jenna Glatzer. Scott Rigsby is the first double-leg amputee to complete the Hawaiian Ironman triathlon. He shares his struggles to overcome the many obstacles in his life after a car accident when he was 18 that claimed his legs and changed his life. Recovering from the accident proved to be even more difficult because Scott also experienced Traumatic Brain Injuries. Scott would not be stopped by any physical limitations and decided to set a world record and become an Ironman. Scott wanted to encourage others who were physically challenged to refuse to set limitations on their lives because of their bodies and to further share this message by writing his autobiography. Scott’s story is truly inspiring and quickly captures the emotions of anyone reading it.

            Scott Rigsby is the youngest son of Randy and Ruth Rigsby, with four older sisters and two older brothers. He was born in Mitchell County, Georgia where he grew up on his parents’ farm. The brother closest in age to Scott is Tim, who is four years older and has several physical and mental disabilities. Scott refers to himself as the “black sheep” of the family, not wanting to farm like their father or work very hard at school, but liking to drive fast, curse and buy expensive clothes. And above all he was an athlete, specifically a runner on the track team. In 1986, after graduating when he was eighteen, Scott was working with four other friends for a landscaper. On the way back into town after finishing a job Scott was riding in the back of their truck towing a trailer when an eighteen-wheeler clipped their vehicle while trying to pass. Scott was thrown out of the truck but a leg got pinned and he was dragged down the highway for 324 feet and pinned underneath the trailer. Scott suffered third degree burns on his back from being dragged on the highway and his legs were severely broken and mangled, even losing his left heel bone. The doctors amputated Scott’s right leg below the knee and suggested amputating his left as well, but he chose to have them reconstruct his left foot instead.

 After recovering Scott went to University. In addition to his physical injuries, Scott had also suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries in the crash. The injury made school hard because he struggled with the understanding and completing the school work as well as knowing what was appropriate in different social situations. Scott began to struggle with depression and relied on alcohol and drugs and was unable to manage his finances. He took much longer to finish school than his friends and struggled with always having to make new friends. It was during this time that Scott became involved in a Christian bible study which played a major part in his decision to turn his life around. Scott still struggled after finishing school with keeping a job for a significant amount of time due to his Traumatic Brain Injuries. He had spent all of his money and was living by going from one friend to another.

Scott then decided to have his left leg amputated as well; that decision became the catalyst for his future in triathlons. Scott wanted to be an example for other amputees, to show they could achieve dreams and that they should not limit these dreams based on their physical conditions. He found many people to help him, such as a high school swim coach, so he could train to be the first double-leg amputee to complete the Ironman triathlon. He practiced by completing other triathlons and unsuccessfully attempted an Ironman, having to end after injuring his back. But in 2007 he participated in the Ford Ironman World Championship triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. He finished the 3.9 km swim, 180 km bike and 42.2 km marathon with only 17 minutes to spare, setting a world record. Scott has now started the Scott Rigsby Foundation for people, not just athletes, who have physical disabilities.  

What amazed me is that the accident placed so many obstacles in Scott’s path, both physically and mentally. What I found especially hard to read about was the aftermath of the Traumatic Brain Injuries he sustained. Scott was unable to filter what was appropriate to say or what was the appropriate way to act in social settings. He mentions how many of his friends new girlfriends and wives did not understand why they were friends with him, or did not want to spend a lot of time with him. Scott’s injuries did not stop him from understanding that people treated him differently and being hurt by it. It was much easier for people to learn how to adapt to his physical exceptionality than for his behavioural exceptionalities. This was an especially difficult obstacle because at the time there was less understanding and less resources for Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Scott’s parents had another child, Tim, who required a lot of extra care because of his physical and mental disabilities. After Scott’s accident, being responsible for his care as well caused even more strain on their lives, physically, mentally and time wise. After reading this I felt so grateful for all of the wonderful resources, from books to therapists and resource teachers that are easily accessible today.

For a large portion of his life after the accident, Scott had no idea he was capable of running again, let alone completing an Ironman. While training he met with other people who had had amputations and even now he travels to talk at schools to educate people on all the possibilities for people who have had amputations. For example, I was completely oblivious to the fact there were different kinds of prosthetics for different activities like running or walking. As a teacher I want to encourage my students to push the boundaries and not limit themselves. We can help to encourage them by sharing stories like Scott’s, giving examples of people who did not take “no” for an answer. Scott’s father was not supportive of Scott and his training towards the Ironman. Thankfully there were other people in Scott’s life who encouraged him, and sometimes almost forced him to keep training so he could achieve his goal. As teachers we can be the person who encourages our students and who pushes them forwards even if they do not have support at home or from peers.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It is an engaging story and an easy read. Scott faced numerous struggles physically, mentally, emotionally and financially, after his accident and losing his legs. I am sure everyone can relate to at least one of those categories. Scott’s story is also very relatable because he is very honest, he does not sugar coat it or pretend that he always had it together. It is a wonderful story that shows how important determination is and encourages the audience to keep trying to fulfill their dreams. As a teacher I want my students to be inspired and want to continue to push past their limitations and therefore “UnThinkable” would be an excellent book for students to read. Furthermore, “UnThinkable” is encouraging because Scott does not want to glorify himself or become famous, but wants to use his circumstances and his story to help others. Scott’s story is a reminder that there are numerous possibilities out there, but it is up to us to find them and not give up on them.

Works Cited
Rigsby, Scott, and Jenna Glatzer. UnThinkable. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2009. Print.