On this day every year, being a challenged athlete is the most wonderful thing in the world. When asked several months ago if he wanted to swim 1.2 miles in the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) San Diego Triathlon Challenge, Talmadge typed, “No, too far.” This would be the third year in a row that he’s swum in this event.

Each year, the long swim has not been easy for him. The first year, 2004, he had a sleeveless wetsuit and was quite cold by the time he finished. The day was overcast and cold; the water was choppy, and it constantly battered his face. He wasn’t a happy camper when we finished! The second year, 2005, he was fortunate to have his coach, Julie Swail, swimming with him—and a long-sleeve wetsuit. Julie was supposed to be in Cancun competing in a world cup triathlon, but a hurricane in that part of the world forced the cancellation of Cancun race.

This year, Talmadge appreciated the task that lay ahead, and he took the swim very seriously. The day was bright and warm; the water, crystal clear. He had trained in the ocean with the swimmers who supported him on this day. Jim Fitzpatrick, a long-distance swimmer who has swum the English Channel and Lake Tahoe, spoke to Julie at last year’s race and volunteered to swim with Talmadge. Dana Burns was referred from professional athlete Beth Hibbard, who raced with Talmadge earlier in the year. Dana had recently completed a half-Ironman and wanted to do another one, especially this event. But by the time she decided to register, the race was full; so she jumped at the chance to participate as a volunteer. Dan Anderson, doctoral student at UC/San Diego and CAF volunteer, returned to swim with Talmadge, having swum with him last year. His mother Georgia also swam because she enjoys swimming in the ocean. Talmadge needs only one support swimmer, but most can’t pass up the opportunity to swim with him in the ocean. Besides the swimmers, Talmadge had several friends—Tim, Robert, Julian, Jessica, Dario, Donald, Chris, Jeanette, and Richie—who all came to watch him race.

Talmadge was strong in swimming the distance. He seemed to enjoy the entire swim and did not fatigue. As he approached the shore, he received a rousing reception on the PA system from CAF emcee Bob Babbitt. Bob was the telling Talmadge’s story, how he loves water polo and triathlon. The crowd was cheering for him. With a big smile as he came out of the water, Talmadge received the traditional fireman’s carry up the long concrete stairs amid resounding applause. Talmadge is right, the swim is “too far,” but the boost that it gives him for another year is immeasurable.

Because of CAF’s influence, Talmadge is able to enter the races he chooses. Race directors understand that challenged athletes sometimes need support and accommodations. The encouragement given challenged athletes is wonderful.