NewsIronmanlife: Can you help us out?
Ironman is looking for some inspirational racers competing in Ironman events
Published Friday, August 20, 2010
I always have to take a deep breath as I hear Mike Reilly get ready to introduce the Ford Everyday Hero at the Ironman races sponsored by Ford. Us hardened journalists are supposed to stay at an arm's length from the stories. We're supposed to remain objective. Dry eyes and steady voices are required when it's time for us to ask questions. Yeah, right. Who am I trying to kid?
I had to take a deep breath and dry my eyes when I went over to congratulate the Ford Everyday Heroes from Lake Placid last month – on the way I hugged my friend Marc Flageole, whose wife (Lyn Duhamel) was one of three athletes who was killed while riding with Jean Dessureault, France Carignan and Karine Desormeaux (pictured above receiving the award) in May as they prepared for the Lake Placid race. The three were lauded because of their determination to “Go Forward” in memory of their friends. (You can read more about their story from a previous column)
Now we’re looking for some help – we’d like you to let us know about any athletes with similarly inspiring stories who will be competing at any Ironman races through the rest of the year. You can e-mail your suggestions to me at kevin@ironman.com.
So what makes a Ford Everyday Hero? You tell me. Officially it looks like this:
Created by Ford, the Everyday Hero Award is presented at each full-distance Ironman Triathlon in the United States. The award is geared toward athletes who have contributed to a person, charity or organization in a significant way and who have done so while undertaking the rigorous training for an Ironman event. The recognition tied to the award gives the Ironman community a first-hand account of the contributions and sacrifices this person has made.
I’d like to make sure we acknowledge athletes at every Ironman race throughout the world, though, through our coverage here on Ironman.com. So, regardless of where you are, if you know of someone who has contributed something special while training for their Ironman, drop me a line – we’ll do our best to acknowledge the athletes here on Ironman.com.
Follow ups on Eric “Fighting Depression through Ironman.”
One of the reasons I wanted to put out the request above was because of the amazing response I got to last week’s column. Eric’s story obviously hit home to a lot of people. I have updated the comments on the page, too – they’re worth having a look at. Here are a few comments I received via e-mail:
I find that mental illness is as debilitating as a physical illness or handicap. A lot of people say that you can do everything if you believe in it, and you can reach your limits little by little. I believe in that. It doesn't matter if you only got one leg, when you are strong in your mind. But what with those people that have a mind that doesn't work properly?
I have raced for years and still deal with depression and would like to share and see if there is any chance of setting up a discussion group.
I just want to let him know I was affected by his story... and that I think he's going to affect alot of people's lives by sharing what he's been through. I've certainly had depression in my past, and I have friends and family who deal with it now. I will share this story with them in hopes they see that there is hope. I have a feeling the sport of Triathlon is loaded with people who've overcome, or are working to overcome, issues like depression.
Thanks for all the e-mails. I have passed many of them on to Eric, who is now becoming all-too-aware of what a difference his story has made.
You can reach Kevin Mackinnon at kevin@ironman.com
