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SINGAPORE: A crash survivor-turned-Ironman, an apt description that sums up 26-year-old Leonard Ong.
Despite being hit by a truck last year which left him with multiple injuries, he will represent Singapore at the Ironman Western Australia triathlon this December.
Having a titanium plate inserted into his face has in fact strengthened Leonard's resolve to overcome any of the mental and physical challenges the Ironman triathlon throws at him.
The road to recovery for the physiotherapist, who had broken ribs, fractured cheekbones and torn joints, wasn't easy.
"Every morning when I wake up, I realised that I couldn't move my arm at all. I was depressed and then I thought that maybe I just can't do it after all. But throughout the day I would give myself little pep talks to motivate myself," said Leonard.
He eventually managed to overcome the pain bit by bit and started by training for just 5 minutes. Now, he trains for at least an hour several times a week.
While he has almost regained his physical strength, one thing that has changed is his approach to life.
"I'm always like kind of like an overachiever, so I always push myself to the limits. I don't really believe in cutting myself any slack at all. But after the accident, I realised that a little rest can go a long way sometimes."
Leonard will be swimming, biking and running in his first triathlon but one can be sure that he will only take a break after the race.
-CNA/ac
