A tri-athlete with diabetes came to Sylvania this week to speak with campers about overcoming adversity.
When Andy Holder found out that he had type 1 diabetes in his thirties, he was determined to not let the disease control his life. He said he wanted to prove that diabetes would not stop him from pushing his body above and beyond what others considered possible.
Holder became an Iron Man tri-athlete and competes in extreme marathons, for which he swims 2.4 miles, runs 112 miles and bikes 26.2 miles. That is how he got the nickname "Iron Andy." He told WNWO News he has to check his blood sugar levels more than 70 times during a race and he has to spike his sugar level dangerously high just before jumping into the water. Holder is unable to check his levels while swimming.
"Iron Andy" went to Camp Little Shots, a special camp for children with type 1 diabetes, to inspire the children there with his story. He says his true inspiration is his children. He didn't want them growing up seeing their dad as a man with an illness. He wanted what all fathers want: to think their dad is a superhero.
Holder said he wants to spread the idea that no matter what life throws at your way, you can still live without limits.
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