Editorial: Inspiration comes in many forms

Catriona Williams is an inspiration.

It takes a lot of dedication and determination to line up for a Half Ironman.

The alarm rings at silly o'clock just so you can stare at the black line going up and down the swimming pool. There are days when it hurts to sit down after too long on the bike and days when your legs wobble after a long run.

So, it really took my breath away when I saw Catriona Williams attempting a world first - to be the first tetraplegic to complete a Half Ironman unaided in New Plymouth at the weekend.

It may not have surprised those who know her though.

The New Zealand equestrian representative picked herself up after a horse riding accident in 2002 left her a tetraplegic.

She founded the CatWalk Trust, raising money for spinal cord damage research, and has since completed the New York City Marathon and climbed to Everest Base Camp on a handcycle.

"Life is about living, it's not about feeling sorry for yourself," she says.

Watching her backstroke the 2km course on Saturday brought tears to my eyes.

Here was a woman completing an ocean water swim that would be challenging for many able-bodied people, finishing in 1 hour 15 minutes.

I and other competitors clapped and cheered her in as she was carried to transition.

During my own race, there were times when I wondered if I could push through the pain. My thoughts turned to Williams and it inspired me to keep going.

With two working legs I had no excuse but to give it my best shot.

Unfortunately, the medical team would not let Williams complete the race as she came out of the water hypothermic.

Her disappointment was obvious but I hope it just hardens her resolve to line up again next year.