Diabetes and triathlon: the story of Cyril
“WHEN YOU ARE DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES, YOU THINK THIS IS THE END. MY MISSION IS TO PROVE TO OTHERS THAT THIS IS, ON THE REVERSE, THE BEGINNING. THE BEGINNING OF AN EVEN MORE FASCINATING JOURNEY.”
Cyril was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 10 years ago. Then he made a strong-willed decision – in spite of everything, to be stronger than the disease. Cyril understood that he needed something more than just insulin – he needed a “medicine” that would heal not only his body, but also his soul. He understood that type 1 diabetes would not stop him from reaching his big goals. That’s how Cyril got a new “cure” – cycling.
“TYPE 1 DIABETES IS A DISEASE THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET RID OF. THEREFORE, I STRONGLY UNDERSTAND THAT I NEED TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN MY HANDS, BECAUSE THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN HELP ME IS MYSELF.”
This expression became the main driving force – or, as Cyril says , “the best medicine” – on the way to find the most optimal way to deal with the daily difficulties that come with diabetes. Cyril grew up in the countryside. He always liked to explore the mountains and forests of Switzerland. Cycling became Cyril ‘s “medicine”, which not only allowed him to keep himself in good physical shape, but also helped to improve his blood glucose levels.
Cyril ‘s next challenge was triathlon. He understood that this sports discipline would help not only to go beyond his comfort zone, but also to rethink his fears. “When I was little, I was afraid of water. So when I challenged myself with this challenge, I suddenly realized – I’m not just learning to manage diabetes, this disease helps me develop. Triathlon is a sport that combines swimming, cycling and running. Competing in three sports at the same time was for Cyril a real test of physical fitness and endurance.
Of course, the next step was Iron Man. Participation in competitions required colossal preparation, but the result was worth it. “At the beginning of the race, I felt a kind of peace, and at the end, after 12 hours of racing, I experienced a real feeling of euphoria.”
“I FOUND MY BALANCE. SPORT AND NATURE IS MY LIFE. I HOPE I CAN CONTINUE LIKE THIS.”
Cyril has already managed to participate in several triathlon races, the Iron Man race and the marathon race, demonstrating high results in competitions. However, his most important achievement is the realization that type 1 diabetes never limited him .
Today, Cyril is a professional athlete with tremendous experience. He became an example for many people with diabetes. Cyril currently works as a trainer at a sports center. Its main goal is to train and help people who live with diabetes overcome daily challenges.