Imagine competing in the open water swim section of an Ironman Triathlon. Cold, dark lake water. Thrashing limbs. Bodies charging forward in all directions. Kicking legs churning up water and spray.
Sound tough?
Now imagine doing it blind.
That's what Patricia Walsh tackles every time she sets foot at the start line of a triathlon. The 30-year-old Seattle-ite must swim without sight, relying on a guide tethered to her with a three-foot rope. Since she and her guide can't hear or talk to one another while in the water, Walsh sometimes swims right over her companion, catches her arm in the tether, or runs into other swimmers.
Advertisement
Advertisement