#009 The Quadriplegic Ironman | Pieter Du Preez

Pieter Du Preez was paralyzed from the chest down when he was hit by a car in 2003, The competitive triathlete and actuarial student had choices to make. He decided not to live as a victim. Despite the extraordinary challenges he was faced with (even getting dressed unaided - you will love that story) he started from the beginning and refused to accept defeat and the many obstacles that just kept piling up in front of him.

In 2016, Pieter was nominated for the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. Fitting tribute to a man who held the 10000m world record in his category, has won the Berlin marathon 8 times, and became the first quadriplegic ever to finish an Ironman triathlon. He has won numerous world champs’ events, been to the Paralympics, and continues to push boundaries and test limits.

More than that, Pieter (a doting husband and a very involved dad) is an incredible example of resilience, resolve, the power of purpose, and the indomitable human spirit. As you find out, he is also an incredibly humble and super fabulous human who has much to teach us about victimhood, optimism and getting back up again.