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HISTORY will be made on Saturday, as Pieter du Preez aims to become the first quadriplegic to ever complete a Half Ironman.
The South African represented his country at last year’s London Paralympics, and was a triathlete before being hit by a car while cycling in 2003, while aged 23.
Pieter is classified as a C6 quadriplegic, which means he has shoulder and wrist movement, but has no hand or tricep movement and cannot lift his arms over his head.
Relying on his biceps and shoulders for his strength throughout all three disciplines of the race, he has experienced plenty of sporting success, and his feats mean he is considered a role model in his home country.
“It’s not why I do it, but it definitely opens doors for other guys to believe that impossible is possible,” he said.
“I’m quite religious, and I think it’s part of God’s plan for me.
“People might look at me and think I’m an inspiration, but I think it’s a circular and mutual thing.
“People encouraging me inspires me, and I believe when we are nice to people that we can all inspire each other.”
Competing as a quadriplegic naturally presents a number of logistical challenges, but Pieter’s experience, having completed Olympic-distance triathlons, means he is experienced in handling them.
He will swim his preferred double-armed backstroke, with somebody helping him in the water to ensure he maintains direction throughout the 1.9km swim, as he cannot ‘swim-crawl’.
The transitions will also be a challenge, and he will be allowed two helpers to assist him on to his specially-adapted bike for the 90.1km ride, and then his racing chair for the 21.1km half-marathon, which he views as his strength.
Despite these obvious impediments, there are no time concessions given to him – with Pieter still required to complete the race in the same seven and a half hour cutoff as able-bodied athletes.
Typical of his positive attitude to life, he views Saturday’s cutoff time as a positive.
“That’s what makes Ironman so cool, it’s a level playing field,” he said.
“Everyone finishes in the same circumstances.”
He is targeting a finish within six and a half hours on Saturday, saying he has “never been as fit for anything in my life. I’ve really worked hard”.
He chose Busselton for the flat nature of its course, and has been completing 12 sessions a week in his training, with his tougher weeks involving 200km of cycling, 60km of pushing in his wheelchair, 6km of swimming and two gym sessions.
He is a diverse athlete, being a South African national champion in handcycling and wheelchair racing.
Despite his preference for endurance racing, his Paralympic appearance came in the 100m sprint, which was the only event for his category, and where he finished sixth.
Pieter also holds a bachelor of actuarial science degree, and works as an actuarial analyst for Deloitte.
The global professional services firm has sponsored him to compete in Busselton, and say they are “extremely proud to have such a remarkable employee”.
He will be supported by his wife Illse in Busselton, and will then visit his brother in Brisbane before returning home to Johannesburg.
His progress on Saturday can be tracked through Twitter, with his page @SupaPiet to be updated during the race.
![Pieter du Preez relaxes with wife Illse. Pieter du Preez relaxes with wife Illse.](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-madeline.hayman/0f351efe-9fc3-496d-befe-96b4096d1f23.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
![Pieter trains in Busselton on his bike. Pieter trains in Busselton on his bike.](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-madeline.hayman/a087c362-703e-4a91-a7b2-1e3f33157731.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)