Soule_vancouver_09

Photo: Ian Lawless

Andy Soule lost both his legs, above the knees, to an IED attack during the war in Afghanistan. Though he had no prior skiing experience and only picked up the sport in 2005, Soule is now a 2010 Paralympic hopeful in cross country skiing.

In honor of National Purple Heart Recognition Day, meet the eight Paralympians and Paralympic hopefuls that are Purple Heart recipients.