Congrats to Cindy Jacobz. Gold medal! WP Para athlete at World Duathlon champs! WPTA is very proud of you her story! Gold for Cindy Jacobsz – Para Duathlete TR6B – WORLD DUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS As a person with a disability it was a great honour being selected to represent South Africa at the 2013 International Triathlon Union’s (ITU) World Duathlon Championships in Ottawa, Canada. It was even more of an honour standing on the podium and being awarded the Gold Medal in my category after the event. Having only participated in the sport for the last 6 Months, who, including myself, would have thought that I could achieved this accolade. Despite a Leg injury picked up just prior to the event and concerned about not being able to perform as I had wanted, I never the less decided to compete on the day and did my best under the circumstances. My Pilot, Cecile Coetzee, who I must really thank for giving of her time to be with me, was a real star, in particular on the cycle route, dealing with our Loan Tandem Bike, which was unfortunately was not exactly the correct size for us, in very windy and difficult conditions. The Run proved to be a challenge with my injury playing up and forcing a run/walk mode on the last 2 laps and despite Cecile’s concern and suggestion to withdraw, I decided to push on and finish the race. It was also an incredible experience to meet with and get to know athletes from all over the world, both able and disabled and more so to be able to compete alongside athletes with varying disabilities ranging from amputees to total blindness. We have made some good friends as a result. It was really was a great opportunity for us to participate in this prestigious event and Cecile and myself would like to share our experience with other Para athletes and encourage them to participate in both Triathlon and Duathlon. We are also most appreciative of the support we received and in particular would thank the following, • Jan Ditchfield of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - ?President at PARA-Promotions & Founder of “Won with One”, who provided us with the tandem bicycle in order for me compete and connected me with other visually impaired athletes in Ottawa, Canada. • SA Tandem for the Blind (Western Cape) who supported me financially in the build-up to the World Championships • Triathlon South Africa who provided me with my National kit. • All my fellow South African Duathlon Team members who were all incredibly supportive both before and during the event • Our Team Manager, Craig Thysse for his constant support, motivation and management of Cecile, myself and of the entire team during the trip and in particular his calm approach at the briefings and at the event. Cindy Jabobsz
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 16:14:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015