Father and son takes on Ironman Australia in Cairns after surviving cycling crash

ABC NEWS (Australia)

After surviving a serious cycling crash six years ago, Brayden McKenzie and his father Travis will compete in their first Ironman together this weekend. The pair made a pact to take on the mammoth challenge when they were released from the hospital.

Transcript

00:00Just went for a quiet ride, wide bit of road at West Beach, life just changed pretty quick.

00:08Travis and Brayden McKenzie were struck by an out of control van.

00:13The driver had a medical episode and swerved off the road, killing a pedestrian and severely

00:18injuring the riders.

00:20Brayden says his dad's quick thinking saved his life.

00:23I had less traumatic injuries compared to dad because he definitely pushed me out of

00:28the way and was a real hero to me.

00:31The then 12 year old suffered a fractured pelvis and substantial bruising while Travis underwent

00:36extensive surgery for broken bones.

00:39On their long road to recovery the pair made a pact to get back on the bike and compete

00:44in an Ironman together.

00:46Our relationship's really close but this will definitely bring us even closer, the solid

00:52blocks of training we've put in together and the long hours together.

00:56They're following through on their promise and competing in an Ironman triathlon in Cairns.

01:01Just look after the old man, alright?

01:03It's given us a good six years to get to where we are, to get through the trauma, the emotion

01:10and just the physical strength to get to that start line together.

01:14And at 18 years of age Brayden's stepping up to the start line as the youngest competitor.

01:19Just taking it one day at a time and just embracing the journey we're on.

01:24A six year journey to the finish line of a challenge far tougher than an Ironman.

01:28a five year journey over again.

01:29And the end of the line of the game, we've started to re-enact the foundation to get into

01:30the future again.

01:31And the end of the game, we've ended up being adjusted.

01:32And the end of the game, as you today we've reached South and the end of the game from

01:33the game and we're going to 1,000.

01:34And do the end of the game and you're still continuing to get back on how diverse the

01:35team is to get advice through this scene.

01:37And we'll be able to get back on time.

01:38And I think that's what you need to get back on time and you get back on time and

01:39on time and we're looking for results of everything.

01:40And then the end of the game, we're still looking for ourselves,

01:41we'll be able to get back to back home again.

01:42We're looking for all the final time and doing that

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