When Emilie Miller tragically broke her neck in a swimming training accident in January 2008 her world changed forever. For many youngsters in her position it could have been the beginning of the end. However, few people could have envisaged Emilie’s determination and fighting spirit to continue pursuing her love of competition in the pool despite her situation.
It was a similar scenario for John Maclean who, as a up-and-coming 22- year-old footballer became wheelchair bound after being hit by a truck while riding a bicycle near Penrith. Recognising that Emilie has some-thing special, the John Maclean Foundation (JMF) has moved to give her every chance to realise her dreams.
In Sydney recently John took great pleasure in taking Emilie out to lunch before presenting her with a cheque for $10,000. Emilie, 15, said it was amazing to spend time with John Maclean.
“He’s living proof that you can achieve anything if you really set your mind to it,”she said. “It was just awesome meeting him and I can’t thank everyone enoughfor their support.”
The money was made available after local triathletes Terry Roberts and Brian Wood got together to raise funds for Emilie through the JMF. They teamed up to represent the JMF at last December’s Ironman WesternTriathlon, a gruelling endurance event which includes a 3.8km swim, 180km bike leg before a marathon 42.2km run.Roberts also wore the JMF colours at the World Ironman Triathlon Championship in Hawaii in October.
For John Maclean, spending time with Emilie gave him a chance to further fuel her aspirations.
“Emilie’s story fits in exactly what the foundation is all about,” he said. “We want to change the lives of young Australians who use wheelchairs. Our mission is to inspire, motivate and enable these great kids to chase their dreams. “Terry and Brian recognised that Emilie has something special and asked that we dedicate their fundraising efforts towards her cause.
“ They were inspired by her story and I know they take great pride in being able to race Ironman as part of the JMF family.”
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