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| Press Releases & Stories |
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| "TURNING
OBSTACLES INTO ACHIEVEMENTS" KIDNEY DIALYSIS
PATIENT SHAD IRELAND ENTERS IRONMAN COMPETETION
JULY 25TH |
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Nowadays, when some of our most celebrated
athletes are pumped up on steroids, ego, and money,
it is a powerful and refreshing change to come across
the story of Ironman triathlete Shad Ireland.
Shad, a 31-year-old native of St. Paul, Minnesota,
is the first ever kidney dialysis patient to participate
in the grueling Ironman triathlon, which includes
swimming, biking, and running. He will be competing
in a qualifying event on July 25th in Lake Placid,
New York, home to some of the most memorable Olympic
moments. Shad has already made this year's Ironman
event one to remember by his determination to overcome
some daunting obstacles and qualify for the Ironman
Triathlon World Championship, which is held each
October in beautiful Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Shad has faced numerous challenges on his path to
becoming a world-class athlete. He has had multiple
surgeries, numerous hospitalizations, two failed
kidney transplants, and at one time had become so
emaciated that his weight was down to 75 pounds.
Being an amateur athlete also means that Shad will
enter the event as an age-grouper (30-34), which
also throws some pretty formidable odds into the
story. At last year's qualifying event, 314 entrants
in that age group competed for the coveted 14 finals
qualifying spots. But it is precisely the long odds
that accent the uniqueness of what Shad is trying
to accomplish, and hearken back to the spirit and
meaning of the very first Olympiad.
It is here that Shad's philosophy very strongly
comes into play. "I personally believe that
any obstacle can be overcome," he says with
conviction. "With determination, hard work,
and a positive attitude, I continue to strive to
become the best I can be--at becoming an Ironman."
An even stronger indication of Shad's attitude is
found in a thank-you email he sent to his thousands
of supporters around the country. In it, he says,
"On July 25th, we will all be crossing that
finish line together and we will be making history."
Not only will he be making history for those who
will see a disease transcended, but for all of those
who still believe achievement does mean not just
"me" but "WE!"
Tom Brennan Media |
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