Hector Picard
Hector Picard was only 24 years old when he witnessed 13,000 volts of electricity enter his body during his work as an electrician. The awful accident left him with second and third degree burns across 40% of his body which then led to the amputation of his entire right arm and half of his left arm.
Through all the tragedy and heartache, Hector aimed to compete in triathlon events following his recovery, as a way to not only show to himself but to others with disabilities of the potential they hold.
Between his accident in 1992 and the beginning of 2013, Hector has successfully completed more than 30 triathlons, which range from gruelling half-iron man contests to demanding international and Olympic triathlons.
Brian Boyle
Brian Boyle was involved in a horrific road accident a few years ago when a truck sidelined him as he was travelling home after a swimming training session. The crash caused Brian to die eight times before he was able to pull through.
Following a recovery procedure that witnessed the athlete receive 36 blood transfusions, a number of life-saving surgeries and an intensive rehabilitation program, Brian has since competed in some of the world’s most challenging triathlon events – highlighted by the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.
I was Brian the Sick Boy. The Boy in the Wheelchair. Now it’s Brian the Ironman!
Commenting to courant.com on why he gets involved in these events, Brian said: “I wanted to test my body. I felt so limited, so restricted throughout my recovery. I was Brian the Sick Boy. The Boy in the Wheelchair. Now it’s Brian the Ironman.”
Ruth Nichols
Not all inspirational stories have to involve people achieving incredible feats after suffering terrible injuries.
50-year-old Ruth Nichols could not swim in 2010, but started to take lessons so that she could begin to compete in events that she had heard about.
Her level of success has been phenomenal. Just three years after taking up lessons, Ruth finished in first position in the over 50s legs of both the 2013 Falmouth Sprint triathlon and a similar even in Snowdonia, where she had to complete a 1km lake swim.
I just love it. I love the excitement of putting all three – swim, bike and run – together!
Asked why she competes in triathlons, Ruth Nichols told the Western Morning News: “I just love it. I love the excitement of putting all three – swim, bike and run – together.”
photo credit: Chris Hunkeler via photopin ccMFS Suggests…
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