THE immensely proud Bennett Powell was once told he would never walk. On Sunday completed first Ironman Australia Port Macquarie.
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With that in mind, don't be surprised if the next time you see him, whether it's next week, next month or next year, he still has his medal hung around his neck.
Bennett suffers from cerebral palsy and developmental delay but that never uses that as an excuse.
"The doctors said I wasn't going to walk but after I did a lot of physiotherapy and stretches it eventually worked and now I have done a marathon," he said.
His attitude, infectious smile and enormous heart are the reasons why he inspires so many people.
"I'm so happy with my time and with my race," he said.
"I'm a bit sore and tired. We were hoping for 15 and a half hours but I came out of the swim in an hour and 10 minutes and I was ahead of time."
He crossed the line 13 hours, 23 minutes and 20 seconds after entering the Hastings River and did so with his best mate Daniel Voltz, who was along side him every stroke, pedal and step of the way.
"Dan was a massive help and I couldn't have done it with out him," he said.
"He motivates me and keeps my nutrition up to date and keeps me from not getting bored. My coach Mel Cockshutt has done a terrific job for me as well."
Both Cockshutt and Voltz hav been supporting Bennett in his efforts to compete in triathlons for several years now, with Voltz saying he was extremely proud of his pal.
"Bennett has the best attitude to life and has made the entire Ironman experience completely enjoyable from the start until the moment he walked up that finish line," he said.
"He soaked up the atmosphere in the finishing chute like a seasoned pro.
"I've competed in a lot of races including world level events, and this was the most enjoyable race I've ever been in all because of Bennett's can-do attitude to life.
"He sets a goal and goes after it with both hands. He is a truly inspirational human being."
Dan said Bennett was focused from the start and it was great to see the jubilation when he crossed the finishing line at Westport Park.
"He had a fantastic race. Relaxed yet determined," Voltz said.
"It was the most consistent he has been in any race yet. The support from friends, family, volunteers, community and the Ironman organisation has been absolutely brilliant.
"It has been a two year process to get him to this point with Mel Cockshutt giving him great training guidance and the perfect build up to the race."
Bennett wished to thank all of his family and friends who supported him on race day, along with all of the Ironman volunteers.
