In 2007, Brian Boyle, 25, competed in his very first triathlon, the Steelhead Ironman70.3 in Michigan. He finished in a time of 7:13. He went on to compete in the 2007 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii a few weeks later and has competed in over a dozen triathlons and marathons since then.
On June 12, Boyle competed in his first race of the 2011 season, the Eagleman Ironman70.3 in Cambridge, Maryland; it was his first event racing in the 25-29 age group.
Finishing in a time of 4:38, Boyle improved his Ironman70.3 personal best by twenty-four minutes, which qualified him for the 2011 Ironman70.3 World Championship to be held in Las Vegas later this year!
Boyle states, "This is a dream come true for me and a very emotional experience. Just a few years ago the goals that I set for myself included blinking, talking, and standing on my own without assistance. After going through the whole recovery process, to even finish a race like this is so meaningful, but to actually qualify for the world championship is practically beyond belief."
When he competes in these endurance events, he thinks about everyone who has helped him along his journey back to life. When he crosses the finish line, it is his way of thanking them for always believing in him, through both sickness and in health.
"I'm so thankful for everyone who has helped me during my recovery and throughout my athletic career. I couldn't have done this without their support," says Boyle.
In 2004, Brian Boyle was involved in a near fatal car accident one month after he graduated from high school. The impact of the crash violently ripped his heart across his chest, shattering his ribs/clavicle/pelvis, collapsing his lungs, damage to practically every organ and failure of his kidneys and liver, removal of spleen and gallbladder, blood loss of 60%, severe nerve damage to the left shoulder, and in a coma where he was on life support for over two months.
As far as the future, it didn't exist. He was going to need 24 hour care the rest of his life. Walking was never going to happen again due to all the extreme injuries and because of the shattered pelvis. The thought of swimming was just that, only a thought. Just like his body, his dreams were shattered. Everyone kept saying, "Just be happy you're alive Brian", but he never gave up.
After two months in a coma, 14 operations, 36 blood transfusions, 13 plasma treatments, he lost a total of 100 pounds and had to go to a rehabilitation center in Baltimore; he had to learn how to talk, eat, shower, and live independently again.
After spending a few months in a wheelchair, he took baby steps to walk on his own. It was a miracle that he could walk again, but he wanted to push even further and not only walk, but run. After he accomplished that, he wanted to get back in the pool again. After a few lung tests, he was able to go in the pool a little bit each week. After a few months of swimming a few laps here and there, he decided that he was not going to let his injuries stop him from living his dreams, and six months after that he began his freshman year in college where he swam on the team. Two years later, his third goal of competing in an Ironman took place on October 13th, 2007.
A two-time spokesman of the year for the American Red Cross and a member of the Timex Multisport team, Brian's story has been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBC's Today Show, ESPN, and several other programs throughout the country that have earned Emmy nominations and awards.
His journey of courage and determination has touched the hearts of many and his story and the message it carries has been celebrated around the world.
Iron Heart: The True Story of How I Came Back from the Dead
To learn more about Brian Boyle visit: brianboyle.wordpress.com
Related Stories:
- Back from the dead and competing in triathlons [via ESPN Page 2]
Related Posts:
- Brian "Iron Heart" Boyle Competes in 3rd Ironman
- Iron Heart: The True Story of How I Came Back from the Dead
