Triathlon’s inspiring pair now a step closer to Hawaii Ironman dream

THEIR first race together didn’t entirely go to plan but Adelaide ironman Kevin Fergusson and quadriplegic Sid James are a step closer to Hawaii after conquering Victor Harbor on Sunday.

Kevin Ferguson and quadriplegic Sid James competing in the Victor Harbor Ironman.

THEIR first race together didn’t entirely go to plan but Adelaide ironman Kevin Fergusson and quadriplegic Sid James are a step closer to Hawaii after conquering Victor Harbor on Sunday.

After weeks of training the pair did their first triathlon together which was a dress rehearsal for the Hawaii Ironman in October.

Fergusson, 57, is a 13-time world champion in his age group and has promised to push and tow James, 58, around the course in Hawaii after his triathlon dream was cruelly cut short by a bike accident in 1993.

Kevin Ferguson and quadriplegic Sid James competing in the Victor Harbor Ironman.

James, who is without the use of his arms and legs, organises the Victor Harbor triathlon which was held under stormy skies and in gusty winds. But it didn’t deter more than 900 competitors including the inspiring duo from hitting the course.

James was towed around the 1.5km swim course in a kayak and then carried into a three-wheel chair attached to the back of Fergusson’s bike.

But 25km into the 40km cycle course they hit a bump which snapped part of the bike attachment and meant Fergusson had to push James back to transition to start the 10km run.

They still finished the race in 2hrs 40mins which was both good physical training and a helpful learning experience as they plan for Hawaii which is a much longer 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42.2km run.

“Always out of a negative is a positive and the equipment issue meant I got to push Sid up the hill, and there’s a hill like that in Hawaii called Palani,” Fergusson said.

“It wasn’t as hard as I thought so we take confidence from that.

“The swim went really well, I’ve done a few modifications to the kayak and put a fin on it so it tows a lot straighter now.

Kevin Ferguson and quadriplegic Sid James competing in the Victor Harbor Ironman.

“And the run was good, we still got to do the 10km plus that bit extra and I was passing a few people so we’re happy.”

Fergusson is now busy making repairs to James’ chair so they can complete their next race which is a half ironman at Murray Bridge on March 26.

James was training to complete his first ironman race at Port Macquarie in 1993 when a bike accident left him a quadriplegic.

While Fergusson has qualified his spot for Hawaii later in the year, they are still waiting on approval from organisers to be allowed to do the race together.

James said yesterday he was feeling more comfortable and confident after getting through their first race.

“It was exciting to do my own race for the first time - I didn’t realise how long it was,” James said.

“I felt very comfortable on the water, I was a bit worried coming down the hill with water on the roads but I’m very happy.”

While Fergusson has been doing all the physical training to complete their challenge, James is doing his bit to make things easier by changing his diet which has seen him drop 15kg in the past six months.

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