Amy Purdy, DWTS finalist, admired by Chicago Paralympian

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Paralympian Amy Purdy is one of three finalists attempting to sweep the judges off their feet on Dancing with the Stars Tuesday night. She has dazzled her fans with her moves, despite competing as a double amputee.

There's at least one Paralympian from the Chicago area who admires Purdy's effort.

Melissa Stockwell was the first female soldier to lose a limb in the Iraq War, and she also became the first Iraq War vet to compete in the Paralympics as a swimmer.

Now, the 34-year-old is a world champion paratriathlete. While Stockwell admits she doesn't have time to watch much TV lately, she has been glued to Dancing with the Stars. Stockwell and others are closely following double amputee and snowboarder Amy Purdy, who competes in Tuesday night's finals.

"She is graceful, she is out there, she does as much as anybody else. It gives everyone hope, it shows what is possible and what someone is capable of," said Stockwell.

Stockwell says prosthetic technology has allowed top athletes like herself and Purdy to pursue their dreams.

"The technology is phenomenal. If someone wants to do something there is a device out here to help them make it happen," said Stockwell.

Amy Purdy is a below-the-knee double amputee. Purdy has several sets of legs to use for the competition.

Fitting the right prosthetic for individual needs is Walter Afable's job at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. He says you don't have to be on Dancing with the Stars to take advantage of the latest technology.

"Here at RIC we are trying to transform rehab and start getting away from talking about disability to focus on ability," said Afable.

And Aflable says Amy Purdy's success on Dancing with the Stars is a great example.

All of the excitement of the grand finale night begins at 7 p.m. on ABC7, followed by Eyewitness News at 10 p.m.