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Nick Ruane

Nick Ruane

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Wed, 10 Mar 2010 8:20p.m.

As endurance sports go, the Ironman is right up there with the most challenging.

An impressive feat for an able-bodied person, it should be impossible for someone with a physical disability. However Wellington man Nick Ruane is not one to be daunted by the impossible.

60 Minutes reporter Paula Penfold has been alongside an extraordinary, iron-willed competitor as he prepares to live his dream. 
 
Producer:  Eugene Bingham
Reporter:  Paula Penfold
Camera:  Belinda Walshe
Editor:  Paul Enticott
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Comments [10]

Shirley McCallum
22 Mar 2010 1:43p.m.

Terrific story Nick. I too am training for Ironman 2011 having trained previously and missed out, and would love to share tips and experiences.

Sheree
15 Mar 2010 8:14p.m.

Watched the interview with Nick. WOW what an inspirational and absolutely amazing man !!! It had me in tears and is so great to see what he has achieved throughout his life and must be exciting for him and all his family and supporters to know that next year he will be an IM for sure. I look forward to watching you finish and join the IM family.

Grant Harding
13 Mar 2010 3:36p.m.

Nick, I did the Ironman this year as a rookie. If I'd known about you I would have found you in Taupo and hugged you, man. Feeling for you right now.
But you know - one arm swimming is a drill, and you are an intelligent guy. That tells me you're going to do it. Unshakeable belief, brother.
All the best for 2011
Grant

Kimberley Rivett
12 Mar 2010 7:14a.m.

Nick, I was amazed and humbled by your sheer determination! Able-bodied athletes struggle to take on a challenge like a half-marathon and yet here you are, determined to nail the Iron Man! Having watched you, I truly believe you can do it. Next year...the year after...who cares?! Your dogged determination will see you make it for sure and I know that the organisers will be cheering you along louder than anyone! Good on you for not wanting to be given any preferential treatment - the victory will be all the sweeter for you when you make it to the finish line. We will all watch this space! My son has now decided to do his school speech on you this year - he wants to entitle it 'Anything Is Possible When You Work Hard' - what an inspiration you are.

Lee and Ruth Schoushkoff
11 Mar 2010 1:13p.m.

I thoroughly enjoyed the item but I thought it rather churlish that the organisers felt compelled to disqualify him over the time issue.
What PR for the Iromman event if they had accommodated this man of inspiration!!

Julie Milne
11 Mar 2010 11:44a.m.

My friend watched the start of this and phoned me, saying there is someone on TV like you. I watched and couldn't get over how similar we were, I had a couple of strokes at the age of 6 but it appears that Nick's determination and will power are the same as mine. I would like to met him. I ride a bike and my arm has changed from looking like his to functional being able to open and close my hand on the handle bar.It still has a long way to go and my shoulder still needs a bit of work. My life line was my love of cycling with its repeative movement which is developing disused muscles. At the moment I am improving every time I go for a ride. It is so exciting. I really do relate wholeheartly to his passion for life and I really do take my hat of to him for his Iron man challeng. I know he will complete this. Well done Nick.

Jo
11 Mar 2010 10:44a.m.

Nick you are amazing. What an inspiration!

Catherine Stewart
11 Mar 2010 10:15a.m.

Nick, you are a true ironman and inspiration. Best wishes to you. Regards Catherine

Kerry Tong
10 Mar 2010 10:02p.m.

Iwas sitting watching 60 minutes on wednesday night and Nick Ruane came on. What an inspiration this guy is. It makes you realise you can cope with anything.Amazing, GOOD LUCK FOR NEXT YEARS RACE.

Sheryll Retallick
10 Mar 2010 9:43p.m.

I watched the interview with Nick tonite and he is an amazing man.He is a inspiration to so many people.My birthfather sufffered a massive stroke and was left severly paralysed from the neck down but like Nick his courage and determination was something to be proud of.All i can say is keep up with the hard work and you have alot of support from your partner and friends which means so much.
Regards
Sheryll.

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