After completing her freshman year at U Mass Lowell where she was a member of the Division 1 Lacrosse team, Noelle Lambert was in a moped accident and lost her left leg above the knee. “Sports have always been a big part of my life, so when I had my accident the first thing that went through my mind was lacrosse. I knew right away that I did not want the accident to define who I would be.”
Following her accident Lambert applied to the Challenge Athlete Foundation for a prosthetic and was back on the lacrosse field by her junior year, scoring a goal in her first return game of. Based on Noelle’s success on the lacrosse field, US Para Track and Field contacted her to see if she wanted to try running. Noelle had never run track, but the next day she started training for the Desert Challenge Games – an annual, international-level competition held in Mesa, AZ each spring. “I had one month to learn how to sprint and get out of the blocks for the 100 meter. Initially, I had no idea that the Desert Challenge was such a big deal, but when I discovered how significant it was I was the most nervous I had ever been in my entire life.” Noelle had an amazing meet and won the 100 meters – qualifying her for the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field national team.
Noelle also met teammate Femita Ayanbeku at the Desert Challenge. Femita invited Noelle to train with her back in Boston with Coach Sherman Hart. Noelle recalls “the first day of practice I thought my form was great and Sherman just ripped me apart. Having Coach Hart and Femita in my court is making me the best I can be.”
Noelle recognizes the importance that sports has played in her life and wants to share this with others. In 2018 she founded the Born to Run Foundation. To date the foundation has donated running prosthetics to eight young athletes. “I want to remain visible and positive in the community and let people know nothing should stop them from pursuing their goals”.
When asked about the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Games Noelle is upbeat and excited. “I have only been running track for one year, so this just gives me the opportunity to continue training and get better. I am very excited for next summer.” So are we. Good luck Noelle!!
