By KATIE FARMAN in Taupo
Scott Johnson perceives tomorrow's Ironman in Taupo as both a first step and a destination.
A first step because the 32-year-old American is determined to become the first double lung transplant recipient to complete a full Ironman triathlon, and destination because if he achieves his goal, it will represent the end of a truly remarkable journey.
His Bonita Ironman New Zealand journey begins at 7am tomorrow, comprising a 3.8km swim in Lake Taupo, an 180km cycle and a 42km run to finish.
"I have one goal and that is to finish," a determined Mr Johnson told The Daily Post. "I don't care how long it takes me, as long as I cross that finish line."
And crossing finish lines is something the data analyst knows something about.
Mr Johnson was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis after his right lung collapsed when he was sixth months old. After living a relatively normal life attending university and surfing along the North Carolina coastline, the genetic disease that attacks the lungs got the better of him and it soon became evident he needed a double-lung transplant to survive.
"I was mad because I had run out of time to do everything I'd ever wanted," he reflected. "So I started making a list in hospital of all the things I wanted to do. It was two pages and I made a bet with myself that if I got through this I would start checking the entries off."
Thankfully, in September 2001, Mr Johnson received a perfect donor match and spent the following months recovering.
With a different outlook on life, Mr Johnson began attending to his "to do" list and entered his first triathlon, quickly becoming addicted to the sport. Then one day he had a realisation.
"I was watching a 25th anniversary documentary on the Ironman and it hit me like a bolt of lightning, this was what I was supposed to do, that's what I am back for. I am going to do an Ironman," he said.
Mr Johnson was put in touch with New Zealander Tracey Richardson, who made international headlines last year after competing in the New Zealand and Hawaii Ironman races to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis.
Mrs Richardson, who has four children, two of whom have the disease, encouraged Mr Johnson to commit to tomorrow's event and with the support of Air New Zealand helped bring him to Taupo.
"It seems all the planets in the universe clicked to bring me here and I thought if I didn't take this opportunity I'd regret it," he said.
"I think the whole day is going to be an emotional rollercoaster with time for self reflection, but I am here thanks to many people and whatever pain I experience on Saturday I'll just remember how it felt to be in that hospital bed."
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