Best friend helps quadriplegic mate complete an Ironman triathlon: ‘it was always a dream’

Completing an Ironman triathlon is something few ever achieve and when South Australian Sid James became a quadriplegic, it appeared to be an impossible dream.

But thanks to a determined mate, that dream has become a reality in Busselton, Western Australia.

Kevin Fergusson helped push his mate Mr James on a 42-kilometre marathon, a 3.8-kilometre swim, and a 180-kilometre bike ride.

It was 14 and a half hours of endurance, stamina, and tenacity before finally, they crossed the finish line overnight.

Mr James became a quadriplegic 15 years ago in a training accident.

“Kevin and I have been good friends for many years, I’ve been racing before my accident and it was always a dream,” Mr James said.

“When I put the medal around his neck, I just said to him ‘you’re an Ironman’ - his eyes, his lip quivering and I put my head on his lap, I was gone,” Mr Fergusson added.

Next in the pair's sights is the triathlon in Sid’s hometown of Victor Harbor in March.