The Ironman World Championship is one of the most grueling sporting events on the planet. To complete the race officially, competitors must swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles in under 17 hours.
Bonner Paddock, a 37-year-old from California, finished with 21 minutes to spare. He is the first person with cerebral palsy to finish the race.
He suffered complications during birth when his umbilical cord nearly strangled him.
A Track Record of Perseverance
This is not the first record Paddock has set. In 2008, he became the first person with cerebral palsy to climb to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which is 19,340 feet tall. The documentary Beyond Limits chronicles his journey.
In addition to completing the race, Paddock raised over $500,000 for OM Foundation, his charity that supports learning centers for disabled children.
Paddock trained for two years to complete the event. Every morning he woke at dawn to swim in the frigid ocean, followed by four hours on a stationary bike.
Making History
“If this guy gets to the finish line, it will be one of the most talked about finishes of all time,” said Greg Welch, Paddock’s trainer, before the race.
NBC will broadcast the race on Oct. 27.
We congratulate Paddock for achieving a goal – and not letting his condition stop him from living his dreams. He is an inspiration to disabled and able-bodied people alike.
People with cerebral palsy face many obstacles that require great strength and perseverance to overcome. If complications in childbirth caused your son or daughter’s cerebral palsy, you may able to claim damages that can help overcome these obstacles. Contact us today and ask about our free consultations to learn more.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – cerebral palsy attorneys
This is a truly inspiring story, especially considering that many able-bodied adults would not be able to accomplish half of what Bonner Paddock has done despite his disability. People born with conditions like cerebral palsy face constant hardships and obstacles from day one. We congratulate Paddock on his many victories, and hope that people with cerebral palsy gain inspiration from his feats.