On Sunday, October 5th, 2003, Team Swail finished its first Steamboat Triathlon at Bonelli Park in one hour, 56 minutes, and 28 seconds. The race consisted of a ½-mile swim, 16-mile bike, and 5k run. But something was a little different about this athletic team. Nineteen-year-old Talmadge Atkins, who has a significant disability, was an avid participant. In fact, it was he who started the idea of Team Swail.p>

Talmadge’s dream to compete in a triathlon began about six months ago. He had been involved in water polo and swimming, and his coach, Julie Swail, had introduced him to the sport of triathlon. Julie Swail, an Olympic water polo Silver Medalist and an Olympic contender for triathlon, was willing to help Talmadge in any way to accomplish his goal because she knew he could do anything that he set his mind to do.

I was lucky enough to experience the ½-mile swim relay that my brother Talmadge and Swail completed. I could tell that the teenager was nervous at first, be he patiently awaited the start of the race and shot into the reservoir water courageously as the gun fired into the air. I watched as Talmadge disappeared into the distance and then became visible again as he got closer to shore and the end of his race neared. As his feet touched the sand, he was awarded high-fives and hugs from everyone as Julie went on to finish the bike and run portions of the triathlon.

That day, Talmadge Atkins had an immense impact on many people. He inspired his fellow triathletes and all who spectated by accomplishing something that many thought could not be done. Talmadge beat the odds and fought to show us that he can do anything that he sets his mind to do.