MIRACLE MAN WALKS AGAIN

John Maclean was hit by an 8-tonne truck whilst cycling on the M4 training for the Nepean triathlon near his hometown of Penrith 1988. 26 years later he returns to compete as an abled bodied athlete.

 

On October 26 2014 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith John Maclean will be joined by Sporting Legends like Steve Waugh, Ky Hurst, Phil Kearns and Jana Pittman along side 150 of his close friends and almost 2000 other competitors as he leaves his wheelchair behind to complete the Nepean Triathlon.

 

John has never given up hope of walking again and now he is achieving things that are astounding the medical world and redefining what might be possible for people with spinal injuries.

 

"It is exhilarating," he said.

 

"As a wheelchair athlete you're always looking left.

 

"Now I can walk again I'm looking right."

 

Former Australian Cricket Captain Steve Waugh will be swapping his whites and donning a wetsuit and Lycra as he takes on his first triathlon challenge with John at the Nepean Triathlon.

 

“I’ve known John Maclean for over a decade now and I still marvel at his amazing attitude and enthusiasm to confront each and every challenge with 100% commitment. So when he invited me to join him in the Nepean Triathlon I immediately felt compelled to be a part of this adventure.

 

“This will be my first triathlon and John and I have been training hard and laughing loud at our many misadventures but we are both excited about lining up on the start line on October 26.

 

“The John Maclean Foundation does tremendous work to inspire and enable Young Aussie Wheelies which is vital as it changes the lives of these kids and their families and enables them to remain active and included in everyday life.”

 

Ky Hurst who has won four Australian Ironman titles and is a member of the Surf Life Saving AustraliaHall of Fame will be joining John in his first ever triathlon.

 

“I've always been a huge supporter of the John MacLean Foundation and I've always followed Johns career as an athlete. I can't wait to join John on this amazing day and to be able to race side by side with him is a huge honor. This will be my first ever triathlon and I'm so excited.”

 

Two times World Champion, Jana Pittman recently met John and was so inspired she signed up for her first triathlon. “I was keen to do this event with John as a few weeks ago I met the man himself. Rarely am I so humbled and impressed by someone. His drive for life and positivity was infectious and very endearing. I wanted to help John raise awareness and funds for his charity so he can continue changing lives and impacting others. This particular event obviously has a lot of meaning for John and I would like to support him in the process”.

 

JMF places incredible importance on inclusion and are encouraging the local Penrith community to join John and the other Sporting Legends in the last 5km of the 10 km walk/run, to support young Aussies in wheelchairs and cheer John across the finish line.

 

After the Event finishes JMF will be presenting grants to local Western Sydney Wheelies and their families to provide them with much needed equipment to enhance and improve their lives.

 

Proceeds raised from the event will go to The John Maclean Foundation, which enable kids in wheelchairs to chase their dreams.

 

http://jmf.com.au/2014/04/john-maclean-walks-again/

 

For more information please contact:

Tiffany Loftus-Hills

John Maclean Foundation

M: +61 423 420 269 E: tiffany@jmf.com.au