He comes last in the New York Marathon running with prosthetics instead of legs, but he is the real champion

At the 2025 New York Marathon there was a finish line that moved more than a victory. It is that of Juan Pablo Dos Santos, 26 years old, Venezuelan, who completed the 42 kilometers of the race in 15 hours and 21 minutes. A time that officially places him in last place, but which in reality marks a much greater record: that of willpower.

In fact, Dos Santos ran with two prosthetic legs in place of his legs, which he lost in 2019 in a dramatic car accident while trying to escape a robbery attempt. An episode that changed his life but not his determination. After the tragedy, he decided to transform pain into energy, becoming a motivational speaker and author of books dedicated to the topic of starting over.

A marathon to restore hope to children

The New York challenge was his last test of courage. Equipped with his prosthetic blades and accompanied by a group of friends and compatriots, Dos Santos tackled the race meter by meter, arriving at the finish line late at night. A standing ovation from the audience, applause and a choir to the tune of the Venezuelan anthem await him.

On social media, he published a photo with the participation medal and a simple phrase: “I did it“. A message that encompasses the meaning of his entire undertaking. In an interview he said that he also ran for young amputees, explaining that “Seeing someone cross the finish line with prosthetics can give children hope that their dreams remain possible”.

Dos Santos’ feat is not just about sport, but about humanity and perseverance. In an event dominated by records and stopwatches, his run reminded everyone that true success is not finishing first, but never giving up. His last place in the New York Marathon is, paradoxically, the greatest moral victory of the year: a universal lesson in courage, faith and tenacity that is worth more than any medal.

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