Philadelphia Triathlon Helps Woman Become Athlete Again

By Jim Melwert

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Philadelphia Triathlon will take place along the Schuykill River this weekend, and for one competitor, racing is more than just a hobby.

Denise Castelli was in her senior year, playing collegiate softball, stealing second base something she'd done a million times before.

"And as I went into my slide, I broke my leg," says Castelli.

What seemed like a routine break was anything but; an infection led to the amputation of her right leg below the knee.

"I vividly remember lying in the hospital bed picking up the covers and taking a look and thinking 'what now?'"

Thanks to Challenged Athletes Foundation, Castelli learned to run again with prosthesis, and, now about 2-and-a-half years later, she's training for triathlons. This is not only giving her back her identity as an athlete, but also giving her a new challenge.

"These little steps, and they lead into these bigger accomplishments, and doing this triathlon is going to be one of them."