Colorado triathletes injured
On Saturday, August 22nd triathletes Julia Purrington and Richard Paradis were struck by a car while riding near the Chatfield Reservoir in Littleton, Colorado. Paradis took the brunt of the impact and has some head trauma in addition to other injuries. He is in a medically induced coma at Swedish Medical Center but has been able to breathe some without the assistance of a respirator according to the site dickdime.info. Purrington suffered severe leg injuries and had to have surgery to repair a damaged artery.
"My hopes are that he (Richard Paradis) will recover and do what he enjoys doing the most," said friend Kat Armstrong to the VailPost. "My fear is I know, after seeing him, it's going to take a while for him to pull out and recover. I just know how much he enjoys racing. I just know it's going to be hard. He's going to need a lot of support if he pulls through."
Both athletes are part of Team Aquaphor and were gearing up for their final races of the season. Purrington was getting ready to compete for Team USA at the Olympic Distance World Championships in Australia next month, while Paradis was training for the 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, Florida in November. Purrington is a triathlon and swim coach and has two young boys, Paradis has a teenage daughter and a boxer named Ramone. According to the dickdime.com website "Richard doesn't have health insurance or close family to take care of him but his awesome group of friends are by his side. Their care as well as the support of the triathlon community has been remarkable so far, but he will need a lot more help and support going forward and making his way back to a full recovery."
"Julia is one of the toughest, hardest working athletes I've ever coached," said coach AJ Johnson of D3 Multisport to slowtwitch. "She loved to race at every opportunity and I'm sure she will be back on the start line sooner than expected. Richard has an amazing spirit and attitude towards life. In addition to being a great athlete, he's just a great person."
The response by the local triathlon community to this situation has been tremendous and they have put on a short swim event at Grant Ranch in Littleton, CO on September 6th. Along with the race there will be a silent auction with items coming from USA Triathlon, Specialized, Nathan, Yankz, Saris, GU, Retul, Endura, New Belgium and many others. Professional athletes have donated signed items as well. Local shops and restaurants have supplied gift cards and services while local race directors are pitching in entries. There will also be an online auction starting on Thursday August 27 for some amazing packages from companies including Somnio and the Challenge Family of events.
"We are so appreciative of how the triathlon community has come together," added AJ Johnson. "Companies, stores, events and individuals have stepped forward to help us raise money. It says a lot about the community and how inspirational Julia and Richard have been."
You can bid on these items at idonatetocharity.org/store/recoveryfund/ . If you would like to contribute directly you may do so on the website. For donations or questions please contact aj@d3multisport.com.
