Witness Zbynek Svehla: a race against time in the hot sun of Hawaii
Ever since he was a teenager Zbynek Svehla has been a passionate triathlete. Triathlon is possibly the most grueling sports discipline of all, combining swimming, cycling and running, and the sport's greatest challenge is the annual Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. When Zbynek broke his back ten years ago, losing the use of his legs, he didn't give up his dream of completing Ironman. He was at last able to take part in 2001 - using a handcycle for the cycling section, and an adapted wheelchair for the marathon. He went home disappointed, after failing to complete the cycle section within the cut-off time. Last October, Zbynek had a second try, and became the first ever European wheelchair athlete to complete the event. It was an extraordinary achievement. But, as Zbynek remembers, there was a moment, in the heat of the Hawaiian sun, when he thought the cycle section would once again thwart his dream.
Zbynek Svehla
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