Josh Sweeney, a double amputee, powered his bright blue racing wheelchair to be the first to cross the finish line at Leon’s Triathlon.
“It hurts but it’s worth it. I love this race more,” Sweeney said after finishing the event held in honor of the upcoming 81st anniversary of D-Day on June 6.
The triathlon, which honors military, veterans and first responders, was held at Wolf Lake Memorial Park, and includes swimming, cycling and running.
Some 400 athletes participated on a near picture-perfect day which included blue skies and temperatures in the low 60s.
It was an improvised explosive device (IED) Sweeney stepped on while serving his country in Afghanistan that cost him both legs but not his competitive spirit and drive.
Sweeney competed as a member of Dare2Try, a nonprofit paratriathlon club that specializes in adaptive sports.
His first-place win on Sunday marked his third title in three years, triathlon officials said.
“I gave it everything I had. It’s the first event of the season and I’m gearing up for nationals,” Sweeney said.
The U.S. Marine Corps retired veteran and Purple Heart recipient was injured in 2009.
Sweeney, of Nampa, Idaho, said he enjoys competing in Leon’s Triathlon because of the challenge and because of the sponsors and volunteers who do an amazing job.
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“The patrons and people here are like a giant family,” Sweeney said.
James Hessen, one of the first to cross the finish line, traveled from Traverse City, Michigan, with his wife, Traci Hessen, and daughter, Maeve, 4.
Hessen, who lost his leg after he was injured while serving with the U.S. Coast Guard, said he was pleased with his time.
“This was a major improvement from last year,” Hessen said.
Leon’s Triathlon is a 42-year-old tradition that pays tribute to patriotism and sports.
The event, also called America’s Race, is known as the premier paratriathlon and military tribute race bringing together athletes of all abilities, from first-time competitors to elite paratriathlete and military veterans, founder Leon Wolek said.
The opening ceremony, which started at 7:30 a.m. included the unfolding of an 80-by-40 foot flag, a Huey helicopter flyover and special presentations with police and bagpipes and patriotic numbers played on violins by young women from Violins by Heidi.
Wolek said it’s no accident that the event is held on June 1 — just five days before the celebration of D-Day on June 6.
“It’s honoring and not forgetting D-Day, and the sacrifices that were made,” he said.
This year marks the 81st anniversary of the June 6, 1944 day on which the Allied invasion of Normandy took place, he said.
Wolek, a native of New Chicago, said his first triathlon was initiated in 1983 near the Izaak Walton League property off of Interstate 65 in Hobart.
The event was later moved to Wolf Lake Memorial Park in Hammond.
Wolek also sponsors a sister obstacle course event, held in remembrance of 9/11, which is scheduled this year at the Indiana Dunes National Park on Sept. 14.
To register for the Sept. 14 event or to find complete results on Sunday’s race, go to www.leonstriathlon.com.
Deborah Laverty is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.