Harrogate Wheelchair Athlete Triumphs In Mini Indoor Triathlon

Wheelchair athlete Jason Richards has shown that when it comes to the gruelling sport of triathlon, anything able-bodied athletes can do, he can do better.

The 31-year old, who's an ambassador for MAGIC, (Mobility and General Information Centre), Ford's free telephone information service for disabled and mature drivers, posted the fasted time during a mini indoor triathlon held recently at the Academy Gym in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Well over 100 able-bodied competitors swam 20 lengths of the pool, cycled 5km on an exercise bike and ran 3km on the treadmill. Jason swam the same distance in a buoyancy suit and did an 8km wheelchair push on a rolling treadmill in place of the cycle and run.

Jason said: "I hope my performance in this event has shown people everywhere that with a little bit of grit and determination anything is possible."

2003 has been a very successful year for Jason who underlined his position as one of the UK's best wheelchair athletes by picking up four silver medals in the 100, 200, 400 and 800 metres at the British National Championships in the summer. Last year the Harrogate athlete came fourth in his class at the World Triathlon Championships in Mexico.

He added: "I would like to thank my coach Simon Bassett for his expertise, as well as MAGIC and The Academy for their continued help and support. Qualifying for the Paralympics in Athens next year still remains my ultimate goal."