Sunday the BAIK X-duathlon is planned in memory of Karen Northshield. All profits will be donated to the American-Belgian victim of the Brussels terrorism attacks. Two years after the explosion she remains the only survivor to still be at the hospital, but she works eagerly. "I feel awful when I'm bedridden, the physio sessions are really something to look forward to," says the former swimming champion who attempted some du- and triathlons as well. Sunday we will be sporting for her... An interview...
March 22nd, 2016. Karen was waiting for check-in at the counter of Delta Airlines for a flight to the US in order to visit her brother. The bomb went off only a few meters away from her, but she survived, we like to believe her athletic body and mind have had something to do with that. For the last 10 years she had been living in Brussels as a personal trainer.
3athlon.be : Karen, how are you hanging on? How is rehab going? Has being an athlete influenced your rehab, both mentally as physically?
Karen : Two years after the attacks, I'm still in the hospital, my medical condition poses a lot of constraints on my physical capability for rehab, but I try to look forward. Physio sessions are always a big relief, movement is everything. When I'm bedridden, I feel awful. During physio I feel my body moving again, it feels very similar to sports to me.
How did you came into contact with Yolanda Witteveen at BAIK?
It's a small world. Yolanda and I have shared friends in the community. She heard my story, showed interest and established contact. She provides support in all forms and shapes. That she organizes an "action" just for me is an enorm moral boost.
Have you ever done a du- or triathlon yourself? Do you know the sport? If what had happend, did not happen, would you like a concept such as the BAIK X-duathlon?
I used to be a former swimming champion and I've always been very sporty. When my swimming career came to an end, I engaged in some du- and triathlons. Last few years I turned to coaching triathletes in the pool. Sport in all its forms are my passion in life.
Will you be present this Sunday, or will your thoughts be with us? The location of the race is right next to the airport, it doesn't get more symbolic than that...
Unfortunately I will not be present. I just had (another surgery), which has become a weekly habit, and will be clustered to the bed for the next couple of weeks.
How do you look towards the future? Is there anything the sporting community can do to support you?
My future is uncertain. Today, two years after the attacks, I still have infections in the leg and a fixator in my hip. Medically, not much has changed for me. But I live day by day. I stay optimistic because I want to and because I can.
Check the interview in video format here
Thanks for all the support on the field this Sunay
Day subscriptions are possible
Last minute deciders can still support Karen at Nossegem with a day subscription. We were on the verge of dropping out, not a lot of training and a sprained ankle. But Karen's story put all that into perspective, so we'll be there none-the-less, somebody has to be last.
All info can be found on the BAIK website
What shoes to race in?
For those of you who are still in doubt what shoes to wear on the muddy course, we advise the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4. A light shoe suitable for all terrain. Not enough profile to be considered a true trail shoe, but more than sufficient in slippery conditions. The Challenger looks heavy, but is light and more important comfortable. The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4 is available at Vedette Sport, make sure to ask for the 4 and not the 3, they are way more comfortable.
Orginal article on 3athlon.be by Hans Cleemput on 03/03/2018
Translation by @T0v3