Colorado Springs double amputee named in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Local climber Mandy Horvath is listed among world-renowned athletes like LeBron James, Lionel Messi and Lindsey Vonn in TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026.

After an accident in 2014, Horvath lost both of her legs above the knee. She has since become an accomplished climber, setting eight world records as a double amputee.

Horvath lives in Colorado Springs, where her initial ascents up the Manitou Incline and Pikes Peak marked the start of her accomplished career.

“I moved to Colorado in 2016 and got tired of seeing other people’s photos and videos up at the top of the incline and started there," Horvath said. "Colorado is where I started everything.”

Since then, she's climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, which is highlighted in the documentary "The Ascent" that premiered at South by Southwest this year. Last month, she set her most recent record by climbing up the stairs of the Space Needle in Seattle.

Horvath also starred on the reality TV series "Naked and Afraid" as a contestant, completing a 21-day challenge.

“My initial reaction was of shock, but I’m so honored and so grateful to be a Colorado athlete and to have this recognition from TIME,” Horvath said.

As for what's next in her career, Horvath has taken up barrel racing over the past several years. She said she's excited to train with her horse, Scooby, this summer.

Horvath is also currently working on a memoir about her life.

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