Yesterday was the Special Olympics Unified Experience Triathlon. It was a sprint distance triathlon made up of 750m swim, 11 mile bike, and 5k run. My unofficial time was 1:50. I'm ok with it because it was my first open water swim in competition, the bike wasn't my best effort, but once I started running I felt great.
Seeing the Olymipans from 5 countries competing for pride (this was a non medal event) was amazing. They had at least a 30 minute head start on me and the other participants. By the time I was out of the water and back to the transition area, the lead Olympian was leaving for the run. He did the swim in 11 - 12 minutes where it took me about 23:30 to complete the swim. Then we had to run up the beach about a tenth of a mile to the bike path and run another tenth of a mile to the transition area. It was crazy.
I passed two Olympians on the bike; shouting words of encouragement to them as I went by. On the run (an out and back course so I could see participants coming back in as I went out to the turn around) I saw a Costa Rican Olympian. She had a couple of participants with her. She was grabbing, rubbing one thigh, and I could tell the participants were helping her, encouraging her. She was hurting.
I get to the turn around and start back, and I start to think I might catch the Costa Rican Olympian. I see her before the last aid station on the course. It's about half a mile to the finish line. She still has the two participants at her side. The three of them stop at the aid station. I am approaching, watching. The first aid attendants and the Olympian speak about her leg. She waives them off and continues down the run course with her two participant helpers.
As I catch up to them I hear her name, Anne. It's Anne of Costa Rica, the Olympian. I pass the trio and tell Anne she is doing great. As I continue on I tell everyone I pass that Anne is coming, cheer for Anne. I am finishing my race, but leaving a trail of support for the real finishers this day, the intellectually challenged young people who make up the Special Olympics.
This event was a billed as a Unified Experience, non Olympic event. I bought my way in, but these athletes earned their entry. This wasn't just another event for me and never was. I didn't know what to expect for myself other than a personal check to see how I am progressing with triathlon training. As I walked my bike back to my car, carrying my gear: I couldn't help my feelings of pride and inspiration. Proud to have competed along side such deserving athletes. Inspired by the human spirit, will, and determination.
I am looking forward to Saturday when I return to the Special Olympics Unified Experience where I will again compete along side Special Olympics athletes from around the world in a half marathon.
P.S. Anne of Costa Rica finished a few minutes after me to a throng of cheering fans, supporters, and me.
