“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” - Maya Angelou. John’s inner strength and determination to move ahead and overcome obstacles are inspirational. He met with an accident at a young age that left him a paraplegic. Despite the seemingly devastating turn of events, John challenged himself to adapt and achieve extraordinary feats in the world of sports. With strong determination John went on to become the first wheelchair athlete to swim the English Channel as well as the first wheelchair athlete to finish the world’s toughest multi-discipline event, the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. He has also represented Australia in Paralympic games and won the Rowing silver at the Beijing Paralympic Games. In his book “How Far Can You Go?” he shares the physical aspects of his journey as well as the mental resilience to push through the impossible. His organization “The John Maclean Foundation” is providing support and assistance to Australian wheelchair users under the age of 18 to enable them to chase their dreams.

You have made history by becoming the first wheelchair athlete to finish the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. How did you train yourself and what was your motivation behind taking on and finishing such a challenge?J: I was training for a triathlon when I had my accident, and was given aa hand cycle to try a couple pf years later, so I tried a local triathlon and became the first para-triathlete in Australia. I was watching footage of Jon Franks (para-triathlete) in 1994 attempt to be the first para-triathlete to complete the Hawaiian Ironman course, when he didn’t succeed I knew it was something I wanted to have a go at. I managed to get a couple of local businesses to sponsor me so I could get some better equipment, and trained initially at home with my close friend and training partner, then relocated to Florida to train and qualify.

What has been your toughest sporting challenge and why?J: True sporting challenge, Ironman. The combination of winds and heat in Kona add an extra dimension to this race, and it took me three attempts over three years to complete the course within the qualifying time. It’s an enormous distance to cover using only your arms.

How and when did you start taking an interest in rowing? Which world championship is the most memorable and why?J: I got a phone call early in 2007 to say that ‘adaptive rowing’ had been included as a category for the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, and I was asked to try out in the State championships. Having never rowed in my life it was a crash course, but I qualified and was teamed up with a partner Katheryn Ross for the ‘mixed trunk and arms’ category. The 2007 World Championships we won Silver, and thought we had a good shot at Gold the following year in Beijing. We ended up with Silver again in Beijing by .89 of a second – so close!

Can you tell us about your book “How far can you go” and how it can benefit the special needs community?J: How Far Can You Go? is the story of my ultimate achievement, getting back to walking again after 25 years. I think it highlights the highs as well as the lows throughout my sporting and personal life, as well as giving an insight into the persistence and determination I’ve needed to draw on throughout my journey. It speaks a lot about the people who’ve helped along the way and how the right people and interesting opportunities present themselves to all of us all the time – we just have to be open to the possibilities presented.

How do you face obstacles in your life? What keeps you moving forward?J: I still use my wheelchair regularly, walking and standing too much makes me tired and manifests in pain, and I need to take time out to recharge. I do tend to face obstacles head on, I’m not one for dwelling on what I cannot do, I genuinely enjoy the change of an obstacle and setting a plan in place to try and overcome it. These days my family is my primary motivation, particularly my 7 year old son, as well as the opportunity to show kids in wheelchairs that you can always chase your dreams. The John Maclean Foundation raises money to assist young wheelies under the age of 18 in Australia, we’ve raised over $4 million now, and giving back also keeps me moving forward.

Which sports personality inspires you the most and why?J: Mohammad Ali is my personal sporting hero, mainly because he was the ‘greatest of all time’ at what he did, but he also did a lot outside of sport, he had views and passions and shared his thoughts and knowledge.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?J: Spend time together, go on family holidays. Most of my friends like to exercise so its nice to go for a swim or a bike ride together. I also recently bought a scooter so I can scoot with my 7 son Jack, I’m a bit wobbly, but it’s great to be able to do something like this with my son.

What is your favorite place that you would like to visit and why?J: Hawaii. I feel like it is somehow my spiritual home, the warmth, the water and maybe the memories make it my favourite place.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to become an athlete?J: I feel that someone must have passion and talent to become an athlete. If it lights you up then follow your dreams and surround yourself with good people and good support.

Any special message for our community?J: Consider the question ‘how far can you go?’ and look at how you might be able to extend yourself and your dreams.