John Maclean

Wheelchair athlete, triathlete, author


Maclean, an athlete, suffered a severe spinal injury when hit by a truck in 1988 while training for a triathlon. As a wheelchair athlete he went on to swim the English Channel and also participate in triathlons (including the Ironman) and Paralympic games. In 2013 he took his first steps in 25 years and in 2014 competed in the Nepean Triathlon as a conventional athlete, walking across the finish line. He tells his story as an event speaker and in the book How Far Can You Go? My 25-Year Quest to Walk Again.

My father tells me my first words in the hospital were, “How’s my bike?” I don’t remember saying that, but it sounds like me. I was 22, and I loved that bike. My father held on to my words as a reason for hope. When he first arrived at the hospital in Sydney, he was told to prepare himself for the worst. I was not expected to live.”

John Maclean
LOCATION: Australia
TOPICS: Inspiration, transformation, persistence, leadership, work/life balance, teamwork

More info: johnmaclean.com.au

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