Chris to take on London Triathlon for an eighth time

A WARRINGTON man who has overcome a spinal injury is to take part in his eighth AJ Bell London Triathlon.
Chris Smith has announced that he is to take on the challenge next month following a degenerative spinal injury that at one stage left him barely able to walk.
Chris, a once top marathon runner was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal injury in 2001, forcing him to stop exercising all together.
After seven years of inactivity Chris decided enough was enough and challenged himself to get back to fitness.
Swimming was his sport of choice, but he had to overcome a fear of water to start his rehabilitation process. A year later and he was taking part in his first AJ Bell London Triathlon.
With its iconic London surroundings, huge crowds and buzzing atmosphere Chris has become hooked and has since completed seven AJ Bell London triathlons in seven years.
This year will once again see him defy the odds to take on the most famous and largest triathlon in the world, in front of the thousands of triathletes and spectators who are expected to attend.
Chris, who has also swum from Alcatraz to San Francisco, has used his personal experience to re-train as a sports injury therapist, following a 30 year career at Royal Mail.
His efforts have since been recognised, winning an Inspiration Award and Sports Personality Award for Warrington.
Chris said: “Running has always been a passion of mine, so having been forced to stop because of a spinal injury was a massive blow.  Since then I’ve been forced to take on new challenges, from confronting my fear of water and taking on my first AJ Bell Triathlon, to retraining as a sport injury therapist.
“Seven AJ Bell London Triathlon’s later and the sport has not only helped my rehabilitation process but has become a major part of my life. This year will see me hopefully complete my 8th London Triathlon, with the ambition of completing many more in the future.”
Entrants should visit www.thelondontriathlon.com to secure their place at the start line.