Tethered

Luc Mayfield is a remarkable young man. His sister, Sophia is pretty special too. She has a form of cerebral palsy that that has severely limited her development. As Kathleen Sabyan reports on page 3, Luc is an active, competitive and ambitious 11-year-old. Sophia, 7, is restricted by her condition to cheering on her older brother from the sidelines. She does so happily.

Luc, sensing the distance between them is growing wider, Luc feels driven to share the feeling he has when competing—that moment when he is headed for the finish line and the crowd is cheering him on.

It took some doing—some planning, some training and helpful cooperation from the folks who run the CountyKids of Steel—but Luc was able to share that gift with his little sister on Sunday.

First, he had to prepare and train—unlike any other competitor in his field.

The CountyKids of Steels is triathlon comprising a swim, a bike ride and a running race. This was the eighth year of the competition— and while it regularly features incredible and inspiring stories of the feats of its young competitors, there has never been a story like Luc and Sophia’s.

Luc plays competitive hockey and otherwise leads a busy life. But this was something completely different. He would not take short cuts or the easier path. So for the past few months, Luc has been training to ride 8 kilometres, swim 200 metres and run two kilometres—with Sophia in tow.

Sunday morning. Race day. The competitors are in the water. Some are bobbing up and down with anticipation. Others flexing shoulders and arms—limbering up for a fast start. In the first lane, Luc and Sophia are getting ready. Sophia is placed in a stylized inner tube—one designed for towing behind a boat. She smiles broadly. Her eyes wide and bright. Mom says she loves attention, the music and the cheering crowd.

The announcer counts down. The race is on. Luc chugs down the lane with his sister tethered to his waist. As he makes the turn all eyes are on Luc and Sophia. He pounds the water, pushing to keep pace. A loud cheer erupts when they exit the pool. Onto the bike transition. As Luc puts on his shoes, Sophia is placed in the bike trailer. He pushes his bike out of the transition area and heads out to Main Street, then Lake Street and half way along Sandy Hook Road to the turnaround. It is hard going. But Luc is a determined young man. His biggest fan is with him. Sophia is participating.

As the pair wheels back into the transition area, Sophia continues to smile broadly. She is transferred to a running stroller and the pair head out on the final leg of the race. By now many of the participants have learned of Luc and Sophia’s unfolding story. More spectators gather along the finish line.

One hundred metres from the finish line and the cheers grow louder. As Luc and Sophia cross the line both know they have accomplished something special. Together. Sophia’s eyes are full of wonder. And joy. Luc is exhausted, but thrilled with his achievement before emotion overtakes him.

Both are remarkable young people. Though trapped in childhood, Sophia is happy, observant and caring. She loves to encourage her brother—to celebrate his successes as well as his losses. She does so unconditionally. Without expectation.

Meanwhile Luc is compelled to keep his sister close—to help her share in the thrill of accomplishment— to compete together. He knows their lives are diverging—as all sibling’s lives do. But their connection—their bond—will remain forever close. The physical tether has been, cut but emotional link will endure.

Luc and Sophia didn’t do it for attention or glory. They didn’t do it to see their picture in the newspaper. They don’t think that way. This was something they did for each other. Something rare.

Those of us fortunate to witness this achievement on Sunday will be inspired by Luc and Sophia for a long, long time.

rick@wellingtontimes.ca