The Run Up to Windermere: Super Hero Triathlon

“Unleash the potential that is in another and you unleash the potential that is in you.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

17th August 2019

When I woke up I had every intention of getting out of bed to go swimming in Ellingham Lake. But my bed was too warm and comforting to leave. I probably needed the extra sleep, I had been training hard over the past few weeks. Besides, I had a serious competition to think about which I was competing in later on that day.

Earlier that week I had volunteered to make up the number for a disabled relay team who had entered the Super Hero Triathlon which was being held at Eton Dorney which held all the rowing events in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

We left just after lunch, we had decided to make an afternoon of it so the whole family piled into my van. This was the first time I completed at the Super Hero Tri, I found out it is a fun, gutsy event where people with all sorts of disabilities can challenge themselves in a safe and inclusive environment. 

The whole event has been set up so competitors do not need to worry about cut off times or equipment as some if it can be loaned out on the day.  

We arrived at Eaton Dorney found somewhere to park, grabbed my kit and headed off to find the team I was joining that day. The Amputation Foundation is a unique charity, which supports amputees and newly amputated patients get the best start possible. I didn’t know who I was looking for so we headed off to find their stand, eventually, we found them, they were the noisy bunch. I knew that we were going to have a fun day with this lot. After we had introduced ourselves, I dumped my kit and we headed off to explore some of the other stands.

  

Inevitably we bumped into other wounded, injured and sick veterans who I knew from Headley Court and the CASEVAC Club, it’s great catching up with people who I spent such a long time recovering with, these men and women have become a huge part of my life.  

It was time for me to get ready for my epic swim, I haven’t mentioned how far I was going to race that day. Remember, this event had been set up for disabled people some of whom were children to compete, not against each other necessarily, but against themselves.  

Altogether we had to swim 150 metres, it was my job, to hand over our swim chip to a runner who would pass it on to the next athlete. I’ll be honest I took this race seriously, you see my mate was in the same heat as I was, it was game on. As soon as the horn went, I didn’t hang about I swam as fast as I could go. Besides my kids were watching, they were buzzing to see me finish so quickly. I see it as my job to inspire them to enjoy sport and the outdoors as much as I do.

The rest of the afternoon was spent supporting our team, catching up with one of my eldest daughter’s school mates, who was also competing that day. Tiernan is a little legend he smiled the whole way round his race, his efforts epitomised what the whole day is about for me. 

Well done Tiernan.