From http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/commun/ml-fe/article-eng.asp?id=6492
“You can do anything you want if you put you mind into it.”
Captain Kimberly Fawcett, a triathlete champion with a disability, speaks these words and puts them into action in both her personal and professional lives.
Capt Fawcett, an officer with Canadian Material Support Group HQ, placed third at the world’s largest paratriathlon held September 11 in Budapest. Her time was 2:11:9. Battling pounding rain and frigid, murky waters while exercising meticulously rehearsed discipline techniques, Capt Fawcett completed a 750-m swim in open water, a 20-km bike ride and a 5-km run to earn bronze.
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) Triathlon World Championship incorporates six categories in which physically challenged athletes compete at championships each year. Capt Fawcett competed against eight others in her category; 85 paratriathletes from 15 countries competed in total.
The paratriathlon win is the latest accomplishment for the Canadian Operational Support Command’s CMSG formation logistics officer. She completed her first triathlon one year after she lost her leg in an accident.
“I want to change the world, one race at the time,” she says. Resourceful and driven, she strives to better herself, pushing her limits on any given occasion; she was the first Canadian military amputee to return to a war zone since the KoreaWar.
In addition to her work and training, Capt Fawcett has devoted her time helping other personnel who have been physically impaired. She created a network for injured soldiers where they can meet and share experiences and useful information.There, she is a mentor and motivator; building up confidence in others and bringing hope to their lives.
In the future, Capt Fawcett wants to work more with female amputees.Acting as a positive role model, she hopes to encourage them to accomplish whatever they set their minds to, to provide practical help wherever feasible by referring them to specialists, and to help them walk a marathon or participate in a competitive event.
Radiating hope and determination, Capt Fawcett is an athlete to watch in upcoming triathlon competitions. She has many projects on the table right now; one is for her to participate with the Canadian track and field team heading to the world Para Pan Am games in September 2011 in Mexico.Whatever she chooses to do, she will undoubtedly succeed, with grace.
