A true Iron Man
SUNNINGHILL - Pieter du Preez has become the first quadriplegic in history to complete an Iron Man Challenge.
The Iron Man challenge includes a 3.8 kilometre sea swim, a 180 kilometre cycle and a 42.2 kilometre run.
When Du Preez was 23 he was involved in an accident in which he broke his neck. “It’s an ironic story,” Du Preez said, “I was cycling to my chiropractor to get my spine aligned when a car knocked me off my bike, basically knocking my spine completely out of place.”
Despite the shock and pain he was experiencing, Du Preez surprisingly comforted the driver. “I forgave her on the spot,” he said. “I told her everything happens for a reason – and I think that’s true, I feel like I was born to be a quad.”
Very soon after the accident, while Du Preez was undergoing spinal rehabilitation he made up his mind that he would continue his athletic career. He had always been involved in sport and was even planning on becoming a professional athlete before his accident.
Du Preez is a C6 quadriplegic meaning that he has head, shoulder and limited arm function but no hand, finger or leg movement.
Du Preez met his wife, Illse while he was doing spinal rehabilitation and her unwavering support has allowed him to dream big and make those dreams come true.
“You’ll always have dreams, but the minute you set a date that’s when the dream becomes a goal,” he said.
Next up for Du Preez is the Iron Man championship in Kona, Hawaii in October this year.
He said, “I’d like to inspire people with my achievements. I want to show everyone that there is no excuse to not go for your goal, whatever that may be.”
