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2010 - Anthony Lambert (as presented by Kenneth Schweighofer)
I received the Inspiration Award last year because of my stubbornness. Life dealt me a difficult hand that I was forced to deal with, and triathlon was my chosen weapon. I was so moved last year when Jason presented this award to me, that I couldn't even say any words of thanks. I could only shed tears as I realized that thanks to this sport, I was a cancer survivor. Somehow, I selfishly thought that I had been on my journey alone, and it was at that moment I realized I wasn't.This year, the Inspiration Award is going to a different type of inspiration. The type of inspiration that is motivated by the desire just to be the best that he can at everything he does. Let me read an excerpt from an email that embodies what I am talking about: "Kenneth, you are the best triathlete and coach ever."….oops wrong email. "My colleagues/friends/family think I'm a bit nuts - but I've come to realize that triathlon is something I've needed in my life. I've always been active - just not always with focus. I've discovered that all of the "time" that it takes to train has made me a better husband, father, educator...It is possible, in my humble opinion, to pull it all off. Train hard. Train safely."
I am pleased to be able to present this year’s Inspiration Award to someone who doesn't need something to push him into becoming an inspiration, because he already is. When I was going through the toughest moments of my life, he was an inspiration to me. Don't get me wrong, he's not perfect, but he never pretends to be. Our 2010 TeamNRGY Inspiration Award goes to: A loving husband; A devoted Father; A loyal friend; A two time Ironman; One of the original TeamNRGY members; And the funny thing is that he is so modest, that he still has no idea how much of an inspiration he is, or even that this award is for him. May we all learn something from him. |
2012 - Steven Richardson (as presented by Kenneth Schweighofer)
It is my privilege to introduce this year’s TeamNRGY Inspiration Award. This award doesn't celebrate the fastest times or the most improved runner; rather, it celebrates and honours a club member who represents spirit, determination, guts, grit, and who inspires us all to be the best we can be.This year’s winner embodies everything that I love about triathlon. When I met him:
He was over 260pounds His resting HR was between 80 and 90 Diagnosed with Hypertension and placed on Beta Blockers and Diaretics His idea of a good Friday night was a Papa John’s Extra Large Supreme with extra bacon and extra cheese paired with a 12-pack followed by a food coma that could last a weekend He didn’t know how to swim His bike was a rusted out Huffy with dry rot tires But….he had started his journey back to health by starting to run Today, 2 ½ years later, he is a 170pound 2x Ironman that is the poster child for a healthy lifestyle. He doesn’t even have to think before jumping in a car or plane to go cheer on his teammates, and he does it all with an enthusiastic smile and two simple words, ‘Giddy Up’. This year’s TeamNRGY Inspiration Award Winner is Steven Richardson. When I met Steven, he was part of the TeamNRGY BaseBuilder program and asked me one question: ‘Do you think that I can complete a Triathlon?’ He had already started his journey back to health, but I didn’t know that I had met the most determined man that I will likely ever meet. His first triathlon was 3 months later at Randolf Lake 2010. When he crossed the finish line, he looked at me with this massive grin and said, ‘Let’s do that again!’ His second triathlon was 7 days later at Metroman Sprint. 6weeks after Metroman, he finished Lake George Olympic. After Lake George, he asked me if I thought he could do an Ironman…..when I said that he had proven that he could accomplish anything…..he said, that’s good, because I already signed up for Ironman Texas. He became an Ironman less than a year after his first sprint triathlon, and became a 2x Ironman this year at Ironman Wales. Steven always approaches everything with a smile, He consistently goes out of his way to cheer on his teammates And has proven that with hard work, anything is possible. He changed his life….....and has no idea how many people he has inspired to change theirs. I’m honored to introduce the 2012 TeamNRGY Inspiration Award to someone that I am proud to call my friend, and is an Inspiration to all of us. Steven Richardson. |
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2014 - Mary Sue Youn (as presented by Jason Santarcangelo)
Everyday, I am amazing by our teammates. The Inspiration Award was created in 2009 to honor a Team NRGY Member who demonstrates perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome challenge. Their actions encourage others and help them to believe that they, too, can excel in multi-sport. Their leadership in the face of adversity and continued support of Team NRGY inspires each of us. This year’s winner has been a visible member of Team NRGY since 2010. Fifteen months ago, Mary Sue Youn asked me if she could complete Ironman Princeton 70.3 – there was a lot to consider – she is a Director at College Coach – Girl Scout Troop Leader – Mother of Two beautiful daughters and she was the Class Chair for her 20th Reunion Celebration at Cornell. We agreed with careful planning that it would be possible. So she embarked on the training – a journey that would not only change her life, but the life’s of everyone around her.
We had one of the worst winters in terms of snowfall. The obstacles of a hectic schedule and mother-nature did not deter Mary Sue. She continued the course, logging hours on the trainer, time in the pool and laps around Brookdale Park, one of the only safe places to run. She ran the half marathon. She came to camp fighting exhaustion and bronchitis and when most would have given up – she manned the aid station knocking out miles on the trainer. She completed a bunch of tune-up races along the way. Be grateful. Be Brave. Those words have echoed in my head for a couple months now. Those are the words Mary Sue inscribed on her arm before Princeton. We are all grateful to have Mary Sue in our lives. She is one of the bravest individuals I know. This year’s winner Mary Sue has opened her heart to all of us and in return I ask you all to join me in giving her a much-deserved standing ovation. |
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