Dad Competes In Triathlons With Disabled Daughter

A devoted father has completed a triathlon carrying his 13-year-old cerebral palsy-afflicted daughter across land and through water so that she could complete the event.

Rick van Beek’s feat of endurance and show of love for his daughter Madison have led many to call the man from Byron Center, Michigan the ‘father of the century’.

But it is not the first race of its kind for van Beek, who said he has participated in more than 70 events, including half-marathons, triathlons and other outdoor races, as part of ‘Team Maddy’.

He and Maddy took part in the Sanford and Sun sprint triathlon on Sunday.

Together they completed the 0.3-mile swim, 12.4-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run, with Maddy pictured in her father’s arms as they transitioned from section to section.