DETERMINED Sean Conway has completed one of Europe's most gruelling challenges despite suffering major spinal injuries just last year.
Sean, 32, from Croft Street, Cheltenham, completed the Fisherman's Friend Strongman Run, at Nurburgring, Germany, last Saturday, which consisted of 15 tough obstacles.
Sean has taken on numerous outdoor adventures throughout his life, but completing the Strongman Run was a huge personal achievement.
He was hit by a pick-up truck in Arkansas in the US last March while attempting a world record 16,000-mile globetrotting cycle.
It left him with compression fractures in his spine, a concussion, torn ligaments in his leg, and injured ankles.
He said: "A small part of me realised the world record had been taken away from me, and that was really difficult for me then.
"I had given up so much for it, training more than 40 hours a week from the year before.
"It cost a lot of money, and was really demoralising for me.
"But I decided to carry on."
He was back on his bike within a month, completing the challenge and raising money for charity Solar Aid.
"I realised I could enjoy myself a little bit more, and I could raise money at the same time," Sean added.
"It was an incredible adventure to have cycled across six different continents."
He represented Great Britain as he competed against 10,000 others at the event in Germany last weekend.
The 15-mile challenge took him to his limits, with the injuries from the collision causing him problems when it comes to running.
Obstacles included plunging into a pool of ice water, suffering electric shocks, and braving swamps of quick sand and mud.
He crossed the finish line after three hours and 20 minutes.
Afterwards, he said: "That was one tough race, but my lucky flying cow mascot got me through.
"It was a case of taking it one step at a time. At one point I was knocked to the floor by an electric probe, but I'm really pleased with my time .It was a really fun challenge."
OPINION, P8
