SWIMMING: Remarkable DJ reaches mile mark
THERE'S just no stopping DJ Calvert.
The Portrush man has broken the one mile barrier in the swimming pool just weeks after reaching the one kilometre mark. But DJ's achievements are made more impressive by the fact he has no arms below the elbow and no legs below his knee joints.
But rather than let it hold him back the inspirational DJ has used it as motivation and has taken to swimming like the proverbial duck to water.
"I'm a firm believer that if you put your mind to it you can do anything," he told the Times. "I love a challenge and I don't believe in giving up. Hopefully I can be an inspiration to others as why should a disability hold you back?"
In May under the guidance of coach Aaron Doherty DJ completed 40 lengths of the pool but on Friday he went even further - another 24 lengths further to break the mile mark.
"It's was tough to get those extra lengths but I'm so pleased to have done it," he said. "I got a bit tired near the end but Aaron's a very good motivator and he kept me going all the way."
DJ has no plans for stopping just yet though, next up for him is the West Bay Swim in August. Training has already begun and DJ said he is looking forward to another challenge.
"It's a lot different swimming in the sea and I found it a bit disorientating the first time," he said. "But I'm hoping to get a few more sessions under my belt between now and August so as I'm able to complete the 2km distance.
"I've recently been given artificial arms and legs which will help me a lot and I have to say a big thank-you to Andy Hill of Trogg's Surf Shop who very kindly donated me a wet suit.
"As I said before I love a challenge and this will certainly be my toughest one yet."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Coleraine
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 3 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
