IT’S regarded as one of the toughest endurance events in the world, but two Bathurst triathletes are on an Ironman mission to help local wheelchair athlete Emilie Miller make it all the way to the top in her chosen sport.
The young Bathurst girl suffered severe spinal injuries in a freak training accident at Lithgow Swimming Pool in January 2008.
Since then she has confounded the critics with the speed of her recovery and is now setting her sights on becoming a Paralympian swim champ.
The first step in the long journey to acheiving that goal came two weeks ago with selection in the NSW team to compete at the Australian Junior Paralympic Games to be held in Melbourne this October.
Emilie’s knows there’s still many mountains to climb, but with the Bathurst community behind her, believes nothing is impossible.
Inspired by her courage and determination, local triathletes and former St Stanislaus’ College students Terry Roberts, 47, and Brian Wood, 47, have joined forces in the hope they can play some small role in helping Emilie realise her dream.
Roberts will contest the World Ironman Triathlon Champion-ship in Hawaii on October 10 before backing up for Ironman Western Australia on December 5.
The 14-time Ironman veteran will be joined by first-timer Wood for Ironman WA which will also be the culmination of a fundraising effort for Emilie through the John Maclean Foundation (JMF).
An Ironman triathlon is regarded by many as the pinnacle of the sport and comprises a 3.8km swim, 180km bicycle leg and 42.2km marathon run.
“These guys are mad,” Emilie said. “But it’s great to think they care enough to do this for me. In fact, everyone has been great since my accident. The support and encouragement from the community is overwhelming.”
According to Roberts the JMF will dedicate $10,000 raised by Roberts and Wood towards the young Bathurst wheelie.
“Emilie’s case fits in perfectly with the JMF which raises funds for kids in wheelchairs,” he said.
“You really do have to admire someone so young who has dealt with a major life-changing accident and has moved on in such a positive manner. I’m confident she will amaze us all in her future endeavours to become a Paralympian and to be able to contribute to her development is a privilege.”
Roberts, who will be making his second appearance in the Ironman Hawaii World Champ-ionships, said he’s excited at the prospect of racing at Kona again.
“Racing for a reason will make the pain worthwhile,” he said. “I met John Maclean at Ironman WA in December 2008 and was immediately impressed with his love of life and genuine interest for others.
“He is extremely motivated, highly animated and generous with his time. He has no room for negativity in his life and prefers the company of positive people. Truly inspirational.”
Wood, who is the chief of staff at the Western Advocate, said competing in an Ironman triathlon was no big deal compared to what Emilie has been through.
“I’ve known Emilie since she was a little girl who joined Bathurst City Swim Club many years ago,” he said. “Of all the kids, she was the one who showed the drive and determination to be a star. Despite her tragic accident Emilie has always remained positive while many others would have thrown in the towel.
“It’s an honour to have been asked to race at Ironman WA for the JMF on Emilie’s behalf. I only hope I can do them justice.”
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