Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1991 in his first year of law school at the age of 24 he was not to be deterred in his quest to be the best. He is one of America’s Ironmen Triathlon Athletes, an elite group of racers that endure incredible mental and physical challenges beyond comprehension. “To me racing Ironman with diabetes is an opportunity, not an obstacle.”
Opportunity indeed. He lives by the mantra “you will not quit”.
The challenges of not only running an actual race but training to complete 112 miles of bike riding, 2.4 miles of swimming and running 26.2 miles are enough to crumble anyone; but doing it with diabetes must seem insane. But it isn’t.
To this man he utilizes his feats of accomplishment to inspire others. At camps, meetings, and anywhere else he can, he shares his story to mesmerized kids who, along with the adults who hear him, are astounded at his accomplishments.
He tells his story that takes you to the edge of your seat and when you meet him afterwards, you are struck by his humility. He has touched countless lives. He is Jay Hewitt and he is Diabetesdad’s T.G.I.F. Take a bow Jay.
I’m a Diabetesdad