Miami

South Florida Native Competes in Triathlon Despite Physical Disability

A South Florida native with an incredible passion is taking on a feat many of us could barely fathom by competing in the Miami Mack Cycle triathlon Sunday, and his physical disability isn't holding him back.

With more than one hundred triathlons under his belt and hundreds and hundreds of dollars raised for sick children in need, Hector Picard says he's chosen to live his life inspiring others

"The charity work, the racing it just made it possible for me to get out of their and make the most out of my second chance of life," says Picard

In 1992 Picard was in an electrical accident where he was struck with 13-thousand volts of electricity twice.

"(The incident ) resulted in the amputation of my entire right arm and half my left and second and third degree burns over 40 percent of my body," explains Picard.

After a one month long coma, Picard woke up to his daunting new reality he says: "when I looked down my entire right arm was gone half my left and now i have a decision to make do I continue living or do I just let myself die? and I chose to live."

Picard has competed in more than a hundred races, he's raised money for sick children and the tri-athlete is also a motivational speaker.

"I was the guy who I was before the only difference was I was missing my arms," says Picard.

Picard will compete in the Mack Cycle triathlon in Miami Sunday, racing against abled body competitors.

"The high that I got from crossing the finish line; I just got addicted to the sport," Picard says.

Picard is also addicted to helping others. For Sunday's race, the father of four and grandfather of two, will compete in honor of a sick girl getting treatment at Broward Children's Health

Picard adds that "every day, everything is a challenge for me and just the highs I get from accomplishing these small task get me through it."

If Sunday's triathlon isn't impressive enough, Picard is gearing up for the Ironman World Championship this fall where he attempts to be the first double amputee to finish the race.

To learn more about Hector’s charitable efforts and his sponsor, visit: https://novationsettlementsolutions.com/hector-picard/

Contact Us