Paralyzed Man Sets Marathon Record In Robotic Exoskeleton

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  Adam Gorlitsky isn't someone to pity or be defined by his injury. In 2005, Gorlitsky was involved in a car crash that left him paralyzed from a severe spinal cord injury. He was told he would never be able to walk again. However, after ten years, took first first steps since the injury with the $80,000 ReWalk Robotic Exoskeleton. 

  Gorlitsky wears a watch that functions as the 'brain' of the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton has three functions: sit, stand and walk. When in walk mode, Gorlitsky walks forward with two arm crutches. The sensors in each hip of the exoskeleton picks up the movement in his abs and hips, which starts a motor in the exoskeleton that moves his legs. 

  Via Futurism
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  In 2016, Gorlitsky founded a non-profit organisation called 'I GOT LEGS' after becoming the first paralyzed person to complete the Cooper River Bridge Run with his exoskeleton. I GOT LEGS enables physically challenged athletes by providing opportunities, programs, and grants that improve their quality of life. Since founding the organisation, Gorlitsky has done around 50 races in his suit. 

  
  

  Via TipsMake
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  The Saturday marathon was Gorlinsky's second attempt at finishing a marathon in an exoskeleton. During his first attempt in 2019, Gorlitsky completed 17.2 miles before stopping. He has been attempting to break the current world record held for the fastest marathon done in an exoskeleton, which was set at the London Marathon by Simon Kindleysides in 36 hours, 46 minutes. 

  
  

  Via Runners World
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  Gorlitsky started the race on Thursday night, before all the runners would begin on Friday morning. With friends and family walking with him, he walked at a 55 to 60 minute per mile pace and stopped every two hours to recharge the batteries in his exoskeleton. He continued to walk into the daylight, with spectators giving him encouragement to help him going. By the time the next night came, he was still walking, and starting to feel the strain on his body. 

  Via Daily Motion
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  Gorlitsky's hands and wrists began to throb, and two miles before the finish line, he began to experience micro blackouts from sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion. But he made it to the finish line after 33 hours, 16 minutes, and 28 seconds of walking in his exoskeleton. The first thing Gorlitsky wanted to do after finishing was get out of his exoskeleton and back into his wheelchair, and although he wanted to celebrate, he had to spend the next three hours receiving an IV drip for dehydration. 

  Via Pinterest
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  During the day after the Marathon, Gorlitsky planned to miss out on the other events I GOT LEGS had planned for the annual charity events, as he couldn't imagine getting back into his exoskeleton again. However, with the help of some beer, he got back into his exoskeleton and completed the Betty Carlton Beer Mile. We're sure he had a good sleep that night. 

  Via Small Joys TV

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