This browser does not support the Video element.
PLEASANT PRAIRIE -- Sunday, June 10th, athletes in Pleasant Prairie competed in the "Dare 2 Tri" triathlon -- a race meant to empower those with disabilities.
The "Dare 2 Tri" triathlon involves a 400-meter swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a quarter-mile run.
Those participating in this triathlon aren't your average athletes!
"We have athletes who have amputations, or spinal cord injuries, or blind or visually impaired. We have kids and injured service members who've been training," race director Keri Schindler said.
21-year-old Hailey Danisewicz from Wauwatosa was diagnosed with bone cancer. Starting at the age of 12, doctors performed several procedures on Danisewicz's left leg.
"After a couple of years with dealing with that, it just got to the point where I wanted my life back, and I wanted to be able to do the things that I loved," Danisewicz said.
Danisewicz decided to have her leg amputated -- but that didn't stop her from regaining her competitive edge in the water, on a bike and on foot during Sunday's triathlon.
"For the first time since I was 12 years old, I see myself as an athlete first," Danisewicz said.
With the help of her prosthetics and sports, Danisewicz says she feels truly empowered.
"After I was diagnosed with cancer I really lost a big part of my identity, my identity as an athlete," Danisewicz said.
Danisewicz says she has some big goals for 2016, hoping to qualify for the Paralympic Games in Rio De Jeneiro, when the triathlon event makes its debut.
Danisewicz is also finishing up her psychology degree at Northwestern University.
CLICK HERE for more information on the "Dare 2 Tri" triathlon.