John Berkin is doing the Ironman. No, not Robert Downey Jnr, the competition.
The 27-year-old will be competing in Australia’s premier triathalon in Western Australia while raising some extra funds for the Freedom Centre.
The gruelling Ironman Competition is made up of a 42km run, a 180km cycle and a 3.8km swim. As if this arduous race wasn’t enough, Berkins was hit by a car during a cycling session just 15 weeks out from the starting line.
‘I had quite a lot muscle gashing in the front of my shin. It had to be all stitched up and I was on crutches for over a week,’ Berkin said.
‘I’ve only really had 11 weeks preparation from the injury to when the event actually is. It’s pretty much been hell for leather.’
Despite the enormous challenge confronting Berkin, he has pressed on with his training and fundraising for the Freedom Centre. For Berkin, the Freedom centre has always been a cause close to his heart as he now works in mental health at the Royal Perth Hospital.
‘I first visited there as a teenager myself as a client and then volunteered as one of the peer support workers. I wanted to do something for them to raise some funds and awareness for the Freedom Centre,’ he said.
‘Our goal is $5,000 and people can still donate till the 22nd of December.’
With the Ironman Competition to be held on December 5, Berkin has experienced a maelstrom of emotions from sheer confidence to utter uncertainty.
‘It’s a bit emotionally taxing. I have never been this apprehensive about an event,’ Berkin said.
‘I have done enough preparation to do a time to beat Tony Abbott, that’s my goal.
‘If he is that age and trained only 10 hours a week while doing an important job, I think I should be able to beat him.’
People can donate by visiting www.everydayhero.com.au/john_berkin.
***
