Konor Sacks – Triathlete Beating The Odds
LOCAL TRIATHLON PHENOM WHO IN MANY WAYS IS LUCKY TO EVEN BE ALIVE
By SD6 Jenny Day
Aug 5, 2015
SAN DIEGO – Konor Sacks is a triathlon phenom who in many ways is lucky to even be alive since he was diagnosed with a blocked ureter while still in the womb and had to undergo surgery that cut him open hip to hip at 3 months old, followed by regular hospital treatments until 8 years of age.
As Konor bravely endured the pain of multiple surgeries, his parents and doctors witnessed a tough kid with an incredible inner strength.
Today, Konor is a dominant Triathlete, routinely winning his age group in races and often defeating kids and adults who are much older.
In terms of development, there is often a wide range of physical strength between the ages of 15 to 19.
This is nothing new to Konor who at age 6 would defeat older swimmers at meets.
Diagnosed with Asperger’s, Konor has been winning age group races since he was 10 years old.
As dominate as he is on the triathlon course, Konor has a hard time fitting in at school due to his Asperger’s and has few friends outside his Maltese, named Scooter & his adult teammates on Breakaway Training.
When he gets on the starting line of a race, he couldn’t feel more at home, and while he is sometimes the target of bullying for being different, his strength in sport has given him the strength to overcome the bullies and respond positively in turn.
Konor recently began public speaking in the hopes of inspiring others who feel different or have learning disabilities to find their own passion to make them love living every day.
His dog Scooter often accompanies Konor when he speaks, helping him to relax and inspire the kids he addresses in his public speaking engagements.
Recognizing his triathlon skills, Konor’s parents Steele and Cate found a school that would accommodate his training schedule & an adult triathlon team who believes in him as much as they do.
Konor is already exceptional, but his athletic and well-versed parents recognize Konor has the potential to be a world-class athlete.
Already a world class and inspirational person, Konor’s mental strength indicates that we can be witnessing something truly special.
Original story from CW6
“Many children on the spectrum have dogs who help them in many different ways. Konor has Scooter, and Scooter has helped Konor through tantrums, depression, social issues, fearful times, etc. In this piece you see Scooter helping Konor relax enough to be interviewed.”
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