Afghanistan veteran para-athlete Garry Robinson overcomes odds to compete in Macarthur Triathlon

IN THE mind of Garry Robinson, there was never an if – only a when.The tough Afghanistan veteran had been a long-time and successful member of Macarthur Triathlon Club.

Garry Robinson, of Macarthur Triathlon Club.

IN THE mind of Garry Robinson, there was never an if – only a when.

The tough Afghanistan veteran had been a long-time and successful member of Macarthur Triathlon Club.

But Robinson’s love of the sport was savagely cut down when he was seriously ­injured in a Blackhawk helicopter accident in Afghanistan in June 2010.

Garry Robinson, of Macarthur Triathlon Club.

Three commandos were killed and Robinson himself was airlifted to Germany for emergency treatment before returning to Australia for rehabilitation.

On Sunday, December 7, the former Australian triathlon representative ­arrived at Macarthur Triathlon Club’s final outing of the year and announced, “I’m competing”.

No one had ever doubted that Garry Robinson would return to the sport one day.

After dealing with a brain injury and the subsequent loss of a leg, he had proved to family, friends and supporters that life was meant to be lived.

As he learnt to walk again, Robinson set himself a goal: he wanted to compete in triathlons again.

Macarthur Triathlon Club spokesman Thomas Warren said teammates “went crazy” when the gun went off and Robinson hit the water in the swim leg.

Katrina Robinson was the designated para-triathlon handler for her husband and assisted the transition for the cycling leg.

Thomas Warren said Robinson “flew” over the 5km bike leg, overtaking some of the other competitors.

Katrina again assisted him in the transition for the run and, with his prosthetic leg ready, Robinson took off to complete the 1km course.

“I found the race hard, challenging but, at the same time, it was a sense of relief that I could do it,” Robinson said.

“The encouragement I got was exceptional.”

He said he’d found the swim the hardest leg.

“Crossing the finish line was personally satisfying, and a relief I can still do it,” he said.