Spinal injury victim overcomes fear of waterRSS Feed

A man from Warrington living with a spinal injury has overcome his ailment and his fear of water by learning to swim and compete in a number of triathlons.

Chris Smith, 48, was diagnosed with spondylosis in 2001. Spondylosis is osteoperosis of the spine, a degenerative disorder that can cause the loss of normal spinal structure and function. Severe cases can result in sensory and motor problems, including muscle weakness and pain.

According to the NHS, by the age of 70, nearly 100 per cent of men, and 96 percent of women, will have some degree of the condition.

Last July Mr Smith took up swimming lessons to tackle his phobia of water and by August he decided to enter the London Triathlon, in which he came second, This is Cheshire reported.

Speaking to the newspaper, Mr Smith said: "I don't think I've done anything inspirational but I am proud of a couple of things - I never thought I would conquer my fear of water and learn to swim.

"I can't do anything about my spinal condition but I could have avoided water all my life."

He now plans to enter the Los Angeles triathlon next year, according to the newspaper.

News brought to you by Serious Law specialists in spinal injury.

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