Danish athlete Peder Mondrup made history as the first man with cerebral palsy to complete the Iron Man.
The 34-year-old crossed the line with twin brother Steen in a mind blowing 14 hours, 42 minutes and 38 seconds – setting another record as the pair became the first twins in the world to complete the contest together.
The Dane has spent his entire life in a wheelchair, but was able to finish the mammoth task thanks to the help of his sibling, who pulled, pushed and carried Peder along the 226.25km journey.
Steen initially guided his brother in an inflatable kayak behind him during the 3.8km swim before carrying him in a specially-designed bicycle as he pedalled 180.25km. Finally, Peder was then pushed in a similarly-made wheelchair for the duration of the 42.25km marathon stage as the two wrote their name in the record books.
The twins took inspiration from an American father and son duo who have completed the Hawaii Iron Man, and, after previously completing a half Iron Man in the past, have now taken it one step further.
“It means everything. It’s been a dream for five years and now it has come true,” Steen said.
“It was a race against time. Particularly in the second round we were close to the cut-off, but we always believed. I don’t know where the energy came from, but the legs felt good today.”
Source :
https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-sports/-cerebral-palsy-athlete-astonishingly-completes-iron-man-032114149.html
