Steve Lovelace – The Paratriathlon Pioneer

I get a lot of inspiration from hearing the stories of elite athletes. That's what got me started in the sport! But I get way more inspiration from hearing stories from ‘normal’ people like you and me. None more so than those who have survived overwhelming odds not just to complete a triathlon but to actually stay alive.

Steve Lovelace is one such person.

At the age of 20, Steve suffered catastrophic injuries in a lumberjack incident. After being trapped for 2 hours, and when he eventually made it to the hospital, he was given a 50/50 chance of surviving the night. He was temporarily paralysed below the waist due to his spinal injuries but not only did he walk a few steps when he finally left hospital, he subsequently completed that triathlon!

Some of the questions I asked Steve in today's chat were:

• Did you have any challenged athletes who served as an inspiration to you (i.e. Pat Griskus)?
• How did you go about training?
• Given the severity of your injuries from the accident, did you throw caution to the wind? Or did you worry that if you pushed yourself too far you’d exacerbate your injuries?
• Did you have to make any adaptations to your equipment?
• Talk about that first triathlon
• What impact did finishing that first triathlon have on your life?
• What do you do now, and what are the long-term effects of your accident?

The best place to follow Steve is on Twitter

@sp_lovelace

 

There are a couple more podcasts where Steve shares his story

Don't say I can't, say I'll try

Steve shares his story on the Dadcast

 

Also, this great article in Triathlete magazine

How Finishing Last Set This Triathlete’s Life on a Winning Path

 

And finally, the YouTube video outlining Steve’s accident and his journey back to health and fitness (look for the picture of the tree split in two!!) The Last Place Winner

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