Hi Slowtwitch Readers,
I’m a retired pro triathlete, former USAT Board member, and avid fan of triathlon and its awesome people. Here is a story I thought you all would like!
Susie Gallucci
www.ChannelChallenge.org
Quad Amputee Finishes NYC Triathlon In Under 5 Hours!
by Susie Gallucci
July 23, 2007
Do you ever feel like you’re not tall enough, skinny enough, fit enough, rich enough, experienced enough, or just plain good enough to try something? Ever want to do something, but don’t know how, so you don’t get started? I have a short story to tell you. I wish I could tell you the entire story, but it would take an entire book, and it may read like a fiction novel. Fortunately, a documentary crew has been chronicling this story for 8 years. In 2008, you will be able to see for yourself the story of a remarkable man appropriately nicknamed “Half A Soulja.” (www.HalfASoulja.com)
About 6 months ago, I was networked into Soulja, a man who wanted to compete in the New York City Triathlon (1-mile swim, 25-mile bike, 6 mile run). He was already fairly athletic, had participated in athletic competitions in his youth, and was ready for a new challenge. The difference between him and other triathlon “newbies” is that he was born with short misshapen arms with one finger on each hand and without hipbones or legs. He has one kidney. From the top of his head to the tip of his – bottom – he stands and sits proud at 2 feet 10 inches. To make ends meet, on each non-rainy day, he travels from what most Americans think of as “the projects” or “the hood” in the Bronx to the corner of 60th and Madison in Manhattan, working as a panhandler.
So why would this guy want to do a triathlon? And how? And how would someone like me help him? And if I were able to help him, would I somehow be endorsing a panhandling lifestyle, fueling a bad habit, or putting myself in danger? …
**Click here and read the rest of the story with pics: **
http://susieloves2swim.googlepages.com/ourcharity