Double Amputee Runner in Vietnam to Inspire

Australian Dwayne Fernandes will become the first double amputee to attempt the Bitexco Vertical Run.
 
Sept. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Australian Dwayne Fernandes will become the first double amputee to attempt the Bitexco Vertical Run, where runners will climb up a total of 1,002 steps to a height of 178 metres at the Bitexco Financial Tower, Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest building. The 26 year old, whose legs were amputated due to a birth defect, conquered his first tower only three years ago, but has already climbed the Sydney Tower four times and has climbed the Empire State Building in New York City - both world renowned tower races.

But Australia's blade runner extraordinaire rightly sees his Vietnam debut as one of the more difficult challenges of his running career to date.

Discussing his hopes and fears for the event, Fernandes said: "Coming from the relatively cooler temperatures in Sydney, the heat and humidity in Ho Chi Minh City will certainly be a challenge."

He said he would be relying on the support from the other participants and spectators on race day to push him to the finish.

"I’ve heard the people in Vietnam are extremely positive and proactive in their support of people with disabilities," he said. I'm looking forward to experiencing that and to proving that somebody like me can climb the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City.

“Once inside the staircase, you have no sense of how high you are or how long you have been in there - until you reach the top and the view just hits you! It’s quite an emotional and rewarding experience.” explained the Sydney-based runner.

His motto is "Life is for Living" - and the incredible Fernandes, who works as a Senior Insolvency Accountant, is keen to pursue that ethos.
End
Source: » Follow
Email:***@sportingrepublic.com Email Verified
Tags:Running, Marathon, Vertical, Racing, Tower, Run, Amputee, Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Race
Industry:Sports
Location:Ho Chi Minh - Ho Chi Minh - Viet Nam
Account Email Address Verified     Account Phone Number Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse
Sporting Republic News
Trending
Most Viewed
Daily News



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share