Free2move.org: Spirit in motion Mikel Garmendia - Paratriathlete (Episode 5)

Triathlon is a tough, exciting and dynamic sport in which athletes both able bodied and disabled compete, side-by-side, at both the national and international levels. In its sub-disciplines of swimming, running and cycling it includes three of the most prolific and recognisable medal sports in the history of the Olympic Games.

And within this discipline, paratriathlon has the potential to be the fastest growing sport in the Paralympic Movement, and many of the paralympic athletes who take part are becoming inspirational role models for young people all over the world. Mikel Garmendia is one of them.

As a boy he watched triathlons in San Sebastian with his father vowing that one day, he too would compete in such an event. But fate and a motorcycle accident, in which he lost part of his left leg, put an end to that dream. Or did it?

In this video Mikel relates how following his accident he rediscovered his competitive spirit, his will to win by first taking up skiing and then wheelchair basketball before, finally, taking up the long hard path to become a paratriathlete. He is proof that the impossible can become possible if you want it enough. Inspiration, training and a desire to achieve can overcome almost any obstacle -- just look at Mikel!

Now, building on his own experience, Mikel has joined forces with SALTO Systems to help take the free2move initiative to an even wider audience. He says "This project is a great social initiative, a focal point to share information, and it's really starting to make a difference to opening up accessibility in many, many areas.

Sport is just one of these but it has helped me in so many ways. It's a fantastic leveler and it's a great way to help break down the barriers that can exist in society.

One of the ways we're looking to do this is by getting the paratriathlon established as an oficial sport for the RIO Olympic games in 2016. After all as a current advert for the London 2012 games says 'Don't look at the legs. Look at the records.' What better philosophy can you have than that!"
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[140P6]

Very Cool! Great guy, great coach!

[martinlaes]

Ekin errepideari, mutil!! Hortxe izango gara garrasiak botatzen!!

[TheBuatxabal]

Oraingoz ederrena!



[SALTOBERABERA]

ZORIONAK MIKEL ORAIN ARTE LORTUTAKOAGATIK. ZORTE ON BIDAI LUZE HONETAN. ANIMO!!!

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!

¡A POR TODAS!