One morning in October 2005, I took my motorbike out as usual, but my life suffered a drastic change. In fact I had an accident and immediately lost all feeling in my legs. I went through surgery but remained paraplegic with lesions d2, d3
But I was a runner and I always knew I would keep running. My recovery in hospital was tough - I had to learn to become self-sufficient, to use and strengthen my arms, as these are now also my hips and legs. When you are persistent and are lucky enough to be able to rely on your family, everything is possible.
A short time after leaving the hospital, I did my first race in a wheelchair, a half marathon of which I was one of the organisers. Then more half marathons followed, and marathon races too, and some duathlons. And then, the idea of doing an Ironman came up.
Now, after almost a year of preparation, I am here, with less than 20 days to go.
Next Sunday I will be participating into the European Olympic Distance Triathlon Championship in Lisboa.
More on Rafael:
Finisher Ciudad de Arrecife Marathon Lanzarote 2007
Finisher Maratón de Sevilla (2:35)
Finisher 1/2 maratón de Albacete
Finisher 1/2 maratón de Lisboa (1:08)
Finisher 1/2 maratón de Córdoba
More info calling Isabelle Janssens at number 618 742910 - email: isabelle(at)clublasanta.com
Ironman Lanzarote Canarias Triathlon, The Toughest Ironman Triathlon in the World
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