Mayberry Park’s homegrown para-triathlete Gavin Kilpatrick recently returned from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Gavin, who represented SA, is a visually impaired para-triathlete with a rare sight impairment called Stargardt disease.
Despite numerous obstacles in everyday life, his ‘failure is not an option’ attitude is evident in his success in the world of sport.
He was selected to represent his country in the sprint distance triathlon with his guide Casper Moodie.
“It is a true honour to represent your nation and carry the flag of hope on your shoulders at an event of such magnitude. Months of planning and preparations go into competing at an event against the best sporting nations on earth,” he said.
He has represented Team SA in track cycling, rowing and triathlon over a 22-year career.
Now that he is back, he aims to develop his brand in sports recovery and apparel. He is also hoping to be involved with schools and motivational speaking.
Positive pressure
He said preparations in the lead-up to the games were well on track until tragedy struck
While out on a casual run, Gavin stepped on the edge of a plastic bottle lying in the middle of the road that he had not seen.
“I have very limited central vision and three centimetres on a 10km route would cause our dreams to come crashing down. An athlete competing at this level knows their body so well and I knew instantly that there was a problem. X-rays confirmed a fractured right fifth metatarsal and with four weeks to race day, participation was hanging in the balance,” explained Gavin.
After numerous treatments in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and daily physio treatments, he said doctors reluctantly cleared him for competition.
“Race day began and nine athletes and their guides set off on a 750m lake swim followed by a 20km cycle and finished off with a 5km run around the iconic Sutton Park. It was a challenging and undulating course even for the elite competitors. It was our best swim to date,” Gavin said.
They then completed the bike course at an average speed of 40km/h before tackling the run.
“With the support of a world-class medical team, messages of support from loved ones back home and roaring crowds that lined the streets, I was able to complete the two-lap course and finished in the seventh position with a broken foot and all,” he said.
He thanked everyone who made the journey memorable and those whose lives he inspired.
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