ON SEPT. 17, 2022, a father and son set out to begin the first of three legs of the Ironman competition in Cambridge, Maryland. Jeff Agar, 59, and his son, Johnny Agar, 28, weren't the typical entrants. Johnny has cerebral palsy.
His difficulty walking is compounded by muscle weakness and spasms. Jeff would act as his arms and legs, literally carrying the weight of his son throughout the race.
To qualify as having finished, competitors must complete a grueling 140 miles of swimming, bicycling and running in under 17 hours. Jeff and Johnny had participated together in five Ironman competitions, but they had yet to finish in the requisite time frame.
From the day Johnny was born, Jeff and Becki Agar refused to let their son's disabilities hold him back. Determined to show Johnny that he could pursue his dream of being an athlete, when he was 15 years old, they signed him up with myTeam Triumph, an organization that helps kids with disabilities engage in endurance sports.
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Race Well-Limped
A reluctant runner's key to keeping high spirits? Low expectations.
Won't You Be Our Neighbor?
These folks do Mr. Rogers proud
Band of Survivors
Armed with his drum kit, a Holocaust survivor fights antisemitism one musical note at a time
UMM...WHERE'S MY POOL?
All I wanted was some summer fun. What I got instead was a harsh lesson in the rip-off potential of payment apps.
Let's Say Yes!
What started out as a way to get my son to try new foods opened up a world of adventure for my family
A GRIZZLY ENCOUNTER
The bear had its jaws clamped on his friend. There was only one thing to do: tackle.
13 THINGS Go for Gold at the Olympics
THE 2024 Summer Olympic Games kick off July 26 in the host city of Paris, though several of the 41 event venues are located elsewhere in France.
STOP THE RIDE!
AMUSEMENT PARKS ARE MEANT TO THRILL. BUT OFTEN THEY JUST MAKE US SICK. ONE INTREPID RIDER IS ON A QUEST TO FIND OUT WHY SHE'S ALWAYS LOSING HER LUNCH.
Raise A GLASS!
FAVORITE DRINKS FROM EVERY STATE
A Race Well-Limped
A reluctant runner's key to keeping high spirits? Low expectations.
