A South African amputee has sets his sights on taking part in the Ironman race after completing the Comrades Marathon on crutches.
Xolani Luvuno, who is a recovering drug addict and a cancer survivor, finished the 90km (56 mile) race just shy of 16 hours on Sunday.
The 34-year-old said this race made him a better person and it required a lot of training.
It helped me to turn my life around because I used to be an alcoholic, going to parties. So I see myself not partying anymore, instead concentrating on my running.”
He told the BBC he is now thinking about the future:
I’ve done Comrades Marathon now. It’s in the past. Now I’m thinking about next January. I want to make it to Ironman race [which includes swimming, bike-riding and running].”
Luvuno has been widely praised on Twitter:
Ross Lester@rosslesterWhile I am sitting thinking if I should work out or not, Xolani Luvuno completed the Comrades Ultra on crutches. He is a national treasure. What’s my excuse again? WATCH: Amputee runner’s inspiring Comrades finish https://youtu.be/VZbNex291Xk
