Race Results 1978-2009 - Triathlon.de

R
Physically Challenged Division
Clarinda Brueck, a 43-year-old teacher from
New Jersey. Brueck, who was born without
the lower portion of her left arm, eloquently
summed up the significance of this competition.
“I want physically challenged children
to feel what I felt when I first completed a
triathlon,” she said. “For the first time in my
life, I felt I was competing with and even excelling
above able-bodied individuals. That’s
an empowering, life-changing experience.
And competing in the Ironman World Championship
emphatically allows you to say, ‘If I
can complete this race, there’s nothing in life
that I can’t do.’”
A formal division was established
in 1997 after years of careful research and
planning. “Since John MacLean finished the event in 1996, he has opened the door and brought awareness to the
incredible ability of these world-class athletes,” Bertsch said. “The possibilities are endless as these athletes Kuliai
ka nu`u (strive to reach their summit).”
There are two different categories within the Physically Challenged Division: hand cycle and physically
challenged. This year, there are four hand cycle and five physically challenged athletes registered for the Ford Ironman
World Championship. The hand cycle division is comprised of athletes who will use a hand-cranked cycle on
the bike segment and a racing chair on the run. Due to the level of interest from hand cycle athletes, qualifying
races were established. Athletes now must compete for Hawai’i starting slots at Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs
Lake, held in Lubbock, Texas, and Ironman 70.3 Antwerp, held in Antwerp, Belgium. This year’s physically challenged
participants include an athlete paralyzed from the chest down and several lower- and upper-extremity
amputees.
2010 Ford Ironman World Championship
R
32