Kansas Track and Field Assistant to be Featured on CBS's "Courage in Sports" Sunday
Nov. 11, 2011
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas track and field volunteer assistant coach Kortney Clemons will be honored Sunday, Nov. 13, as part of CBS’s 22nd annual “Courage in Sports” special. The one-hour program recognizes individuals who have overcome monumental challenges to achieve greatness in the world of sports. The show is set to air on Sunday evening at 4 p.m. CST (times may vary depending on local NFL game schedules).
Clemons, formally a combat medic for the First Calvary Division in Iraq, was forced to have his right leg amputated in 2005 after a roadside bomb detonated as his unit was making a stop to help injured civilians.
After years of grueling therapy and having to adjust to walking with a prosthetic, Clemons decided he wanted to pursue a career training for the Paralympic Games. He quickly sought the help of KU head track and field coach Stanley Redwine, who was happy to oblige. Clemons has been training under Redwine’s guidance for over a year now with the goal to run in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
Clemons trains nearly every day with members of KU’s track and field team while also taking classes as he pursues a master’s degree at KU. He is set to graduate in May 2012.
CBS’s “Courage in Sports” will be narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Ed Asner and has honored sports legends such as Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, Arthur Ashe, Kerri Strug, Walter Payton and Cal Ripken Jr. Click here for a “Courage in Sports” trailer: http://bit.ly/vPja4i. Clemons’ feature will be one of four inspirational stories featured on the program Sunday.
