Competing against the odds

Against all odds, Ian Beard will contest Sunday’s Endure Batavia Triathlon in Geraldton – something which seemed impossible just eight months ago.

That’s when the former Geraldton man lay concussed and broken on a Bicton road – the cycling victim of a distracted driver who had pulled out blindly from a driveway.

With three broken vertebrae, a damaged spinal cord and broken ribs, Mr Beard was forced to confront the life-changing diagnosis that he was a quadriplegic.

Refusing to be bound by what appeared a futile medical fate, the career firefighter has fashioned a way back to the sport he loves and this weekend will compete alongside his mates.

Even though he will attempt to complete just the 10km running leg, on a specially crafted, hand-pedalled bike made in Germany, the feat is already being hailed as inspirational by his peers.

Full story in today's print edition.