Timothy Bolen will be competing in his 20th Ironman triathlon alongside his daughter Cloe this weekend in Tempe. Cloe, at 19 years old, intends to carry on the grueling tradition of the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, followed by a 26.2-mile run. Having watched her father throughout her life, she is now set to join him, “doing it with my best friend,” Cloe toldFOX 10 Phoenix. Inspired by her father, who has been battling terminal cancer since January 2020, their participation is a testament to their commitment to not let a diagnosis impede living fully.
While Timothy’s health battle is a critical part of the narrative, another compelling layer to his story involves his special bond with Patrick Canez, a man living with Cerebral Palsy. Their friendship has bloomed through Timothy’s nonprofit, 2gether We Live, which pairs athletes with disabled individuals to promote inclusivity in active events. Timothy plans to compete with Patrick this weekend in Wisconsin’s Ironman event, a feat that will have him pulling Patrick in a raft, cycling with him on a tandem bike, and pushing him in a running stroller over the relentless Ironman course. Timothy and Patrick had attempted an Ironman together back in 2015 but were thwarted by inhospitable conditions for the adaptive equipment. “When we re on the course and he s laughing and he s engaged and he s yelling at every person we re running by, he s just in his element,” Timothy shared withABC 15.
In light of Timothy’s terminal diagnosis, the race holds immense significance for both families involved. Sandra, Patrick’s mother, with emotions brimming, spoke to the reality of these moments. “Yes,” she said when asked about the concern for the day Timothy might not be there for Patrick, as noted byABC 15. Instead of dwelling on that uncertainty, they choose to immerse themselves in the present experiencing joy in challenges and the deep connection burgeoning between Timothy and Patrick.
As these races are set to commence, they encapsulate more than just physical endurance and triumph over athletic challenges. They narrate the profound influence of human bonds across adversity an echoing sentiment in Timothy’s journey, shared with his daughter and a friend who has become almost like family. When the finish line is within reach, Timothy plans to exclaim his long-anticipated affirmation for himself and Patrick: “Patrick, we are iron men,” a celebration of their spirit and perseverance amidst the harshest of life’s trials, as reported byABC 15.
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