Guides Light NYC Triathlon Way

Just ahead of the New York City Triathlon which takes place in the morning, I wish to share this article which appeared in Saturday's newspaper. In case you have not heard of the New York City Triathlon or are aware of the distances participants must race, it is as follows. One mile swim in the Hudson River, 24.8 mile bike ride along Henry Hudson Highway, and 6.2 mile run around Central Park. Several people I know will be racing. The fabulous, Jenna Parker is one to look out for as she always has the ability to win first place overall. Melissa Stockwell, who is the current two time defending national and world champion for the Physically Challenged division. Caroline Gaynor has completed over fifty triathlons in her career and a couple Ironman races will once again compete in the NYC event for the ninth consecutive year. Caroline is also a rock star sighted guide which means she will frequently act as the eyes for blind triathletes wishing to compete in this and other races around the world. It is tough for blind athletes to consistently find sighted guides. It is even more difficult for female athletes who are blind. Caroline became the first woman in history to lead a woman through the Ironman. Other female blind triathletes have completed the event with the use of a couple different guides sharing the guiding responsibilities, but I believe Caroline remains the only woman in history to go the entire distance with a blind triathlete. As I prepare to cheer on Jenna, Melissa, and Caroline, please take a moment to read this article which discusses six blind triathletes who will compete in Sunday's race all thanks to male and female triathletes who have stepped up as volunteers to be the blind triathletes' eyes. One of them is Caroline. Enjoy!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/sports/guides-show-the-way-for-blind-triathletes.html?_r=1&smid=fb-share