James E. MacLaren (April 13, 1963 – August 31, 2010) was a motivational speaker and author, noted for his record-breaking performances in the marathon and Ironman triathlon after having his left leg amputated below the knee.
He was a standout athlete in football and lacrosse at Yale University.
In 1985, at the age of 22, MacLaren lost his left leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident, and required defibrillation.
In 1993, during the Orange County Triathlon, MacLaren was struck by a van during the bike portion of the race and collided with a signpost, rendering him a quadriplegic.
MacLaren's accident inspired members of the running community to raise funds to allow him to purchase a van he could drive with his hands.