Mandy Horvath
Photo: American Icon Ann Pellegreno hugs Mandy Horvath at Amelia Earhart Festival Luncheon. Courtesy of JD Benning at Benningcreative.com.
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Photo: Mandy Horvath poses for K.Oh! Photography for the TIME 100 Sports image.
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MANDY HORVATH & TEAM
Mandy Horvath is an American bi-lateral above-knee amputee, creative writer, public speaker, actress, mountaineer and 8-time World Record Holder and TIME100 Sports 2026 Honoree. In July 2014, her life changed when she was struck by a locomotive, resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee.
Known for her record-setting climbs in the name of charity and conservation, Mandy is the first female bilateral amputee to summit the Manitou Incline, Pikes Peak (twice), the Statue of Liberty stairwell to the crown, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Cerro Tusa—the world’s tallest natural pyramid in Colombia, and in May of 2026 Horvath climbed the Iconic Space Needle in Seattle Washington. She accomplished all of these feats without prosthetics, using only her arms and hands to crawl. In recognition of her pioneering spirit, she received the Amelia Earhart Pioneering Achievement Award in July 2022. Horvath was awarded the Golden Heart Award at the Mountainfilm Film Festival in May of 2026. This award is given to someone whose presence brings a special light to the festival, someone with a Golden Heart who embodies the spirit of Mountainfilm.
Beyond mountaineering, Mandy has become known for her candid voice on life as an amputee. Her story has been featured across television, film, radio, press, and creative writing.
In May 2025, Mandy graduated from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a Bachelor’s in English and a Minor in Anthropology. She is currently writing her memoir, determined to tell her story in her own words.
TIME named Mandy Horvath to the inaugural 2026 TIME100 Sports list, recognizing 100 of the most influential figures shaping the global sports landscape. Explore the complete TIME100 Sports list at ti.me/100sports. The TIME100 Sports list will appear in the June 22, 2026, issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, July 12.
In 2025 Horvath made television history as the first amputee to appear on Naked and Afraid. During a 21 day survival challenge in the Belizean jungle, she demonstrated the resilience, adaptability, and determination that have defined her career as an athlete, adventurer, and public speaker.
Photo: Mandy Horvath and her partner, Jonny Yates, pose outside of their shelter on their 21 day challenge on Naked and Afraid in the rainforest of Belize. Photo Courtesy of Discovery Network.
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THE ASCENT movie poster from IMDB.
THE ASCENT premiered to audiences at the SXSW Film Festival, sharing Mandy Horvath's remarkable journey from traumatic injury survivor to world record holding adaptive athlete. It took home the 2026 Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary Feature. Directed by Francis Cronin, Edward John Drake, and Scott Veltri, the award winning documentary follows Horvath's pursuit of seemingly impossible goals while exploring resilience, identity, and the power of perseverance.
Click the poster image to visit IMDB and view the official trailer for The Ascent.
Our Equestrian Life
In 2024, Mandy purchased her first horse, Scooby, and began pursuing a new dream: learning the ropes of barrel racing. What started as a leap of faith has quickly become a meaningful part of her life. Joining the journey is Thor, a 17.2-hand draft cross owned by her boyfriend Josh, whose presence has added both strength and heart to their team. Together, they represent not only the pursuit of competitive goals, but also the joy and healing that comes with building a life around horses. This dream is made possible with the support of trusted partners who share our vision.
Josh, Thor, Scooby, and Mandy in a field. Moment captured by Estrada Imagery.
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