August 2, 2017
by: Guest Contributor
Team Alex at the 2017 Cleveland Triathlon
This week’s blog post was written by Debbie Lozano, mother of Alex Lozano of Team Alex.
This was the fourth year Alex Lozano has participated in the Super Sprint for Team UCP at the Cleveland Triathlon. He has always done the swim, bike and walk portions on his own, but this was the last year UCP was participating in the triathlon and he was determined to make this year triumphant. In previous years, Alex used a floatation waist belt for the swim and his reverse walker to assist him in the walk. Prior to the event, Alex emphatically informed us he was not going to use the floatation device or his walker. We knew he was determined, but we took along the floatation device and his walker just in case.
Alex proceeded through the swim and the bike and then embarked on the walk without his walker. With about 30 red-shirted team members following him, things started out well. The extreme fatigue started to show about half way through and doubts crossed our minds. Alex had stopped and was trying to regain his strength when something amazing happened. A gentleman competing in the Sprint division stopped and told Alex he also had CP and he was going to help Alex all the way to the finish line. Call it fate, karma, intervention or whatever but it was incredible to see Marty and Alex walk hand-in-hand all the way to the finish line. As it turned out, during the bicycle portion, one of Marty’s pedals fell off and therefore he was way behind his usual pace when he came upon Alex. Marty commented, “I think that pedal was meant to fall off so that I could meet Alex and we could finish the race together.”
Alex was not only triumphant in completing the triathlon without devices, but he also completed it with a special friend that will remain in his future. Marty runs a charity called Footsteps of Western New York that assists people with CP in obtaining the equipment and services they so desperately need to live comfortably.
To view a YouTube video of Alex competing in the Triathlon, including when he met Marty, click here. He meets Marty around minute 9:50.
Incredible story ! Way to go Alex ! I am honored to call Marty my little brother , he has been a great influence to many of us , especially his love and selflessness .
It was an honor to again participate and witness the determination of this young man. He has been a good friend and competitor through years of swim meets and triathlons! Congratulations buddy,you did it!