Tyrell completes first duathlon and hopes to do more
“Finishing the duathlon was a big accomplishment for me.”
Eleven-year-old Tyrell Davis recently went the distance after completing his first virtual duathlon with the assistance of Bedfordview-based chiropractor Dr Jacqui Bunge.
The Benoni resident, who has achondroplasia, a form of skeletal dysplasia, completed the virtual Zsports duathlon with just over a week’s worth of training in July.
“Finishing the duathlon was a big accomplishment for me,” explained Tyrell.
“It was the best feeling.”
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During his event, Tyrell ran 1.25km in 15:57, cycled a distance of 10.13km in 50:28 and ran another 2.5km in a time of 26:27.
Before the duathlon, the longest distance Tyrell had run was 200m and the longest distance he had cycled was 4km.
Tyrell’s mum, Joanne, explained her son’s interest in the duathlon started after he began working with Jacqui from Therapyworx.
Jacqui said when she first met Tyrell, she knew that dynamite came in small packages.
She explained that due to his short stature, most sports aren’t suitable for him.
However, after Jacqui spoke to Tyrell about cycling, Zwift bikes and Ironman, she sent him a video about Ironman Florida.
The video showed Chris Nikic, who has Down’s syndrome, completing an Ironman in Florida.
Chris, who was the first person with Down’s syndrome to complete an Ironman, swam 2.4 miles (3.8km), cycled 112 miles (180.2km) and ran 26.2 miles (42.1km).
Joanne said after learning that Jacqui also competes in Ironman events, Tyrell was more inspired.
She said another reason Tyrell was prompted to take up the challenge of completing the duathlon was to showcase his talents and what he was capable of.
Joanne said some schools are limited in their ability to cater for children who are similar to her son.
She hopes that through her son’s accomplishments, schools will realise the need to become more inclusive.
Once Tyrell had decided to participate in the duathlon, he started training and preparing with Jacqui.
Although exams and school work had kept him busy leading up to the duathlon, Tyrell’s confidence grew the more as he prepared.
With a few days left before race day, Tyrell’s course was plotted and he was surprised with a new bicycle from Greenstone-based Ridgeway Cycles.
Despite not having done any of the distances, Tyrell excelled during the duathlon.
Jacqui said Tyrell started the run without hesitation and managed the first leg well.
A smiling Joanne said she couldn’t keep up with her son.
Although the distance took its toll, Tyrell persevered in finishing his event.
Looking to the future, Tyrell would like to participate in a Tinman Triathlon and hopes to one day compete in the 50m freestyle in the Paralympic Games.
Encouraging others, Tyrell said to never be afraid.
“Train every day and just do your best. Give 100% commitment and enjoy yourself.”
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