Posted: October 21, 2005

Triathlon: Hurricane Katrina victim to compete at 2005 Ford Ironman Florida

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.—Millions of people have been affected by Hurricane Katrina, which stuck the Gulf Coast almost two months ago. Countless people have lost their homes and personal possessions in the storm and will have to endure an arduous rebuilding process, including Paul Richardson, who will be competing at the 2005 Ford Ironman Florida being held on Nov. 5 in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Richardson, from metropolitan New Orleans (a small city called Meraux, approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown New Orleans), currently resides in Jackson, Miss., since his home was razed when the category-five storm hit landfall on Sunday, Aug. 30. Hurricane Katrina damaged the New Orleans levee system and produced a storm surge that flooded Richardson’s neighborhood with more than 12 feet of water.

Richardson and his wife, Julie, heeded warnings and evacuated the city; however, the couple was not allowed back into their home until Sept. 27. Upon returning to their home, which now lay in ruin, the Richardson family tried to salvage any remaining valuables, but the widespread devastation did not leave them much hope.

The Richardsons lost almost everything they once owned, and Paul, who had been training for the 2005 Ford Ironman Florida, lost his Cervelo bike, race wheels and the rest of his triathlon equipment. Though Paul lost valuable training time since Hurricane Katrina hit, he has remained focused and continues to pursue his goal of becoming an “Ironman Finisher.”

Fellow triathletes, who have heard Paul’s story, donated a new wetsuit and race gear to his cause, and Inside-Out Sports lent him a Cervelo bike to use during the race. Paul also joined a local YMCA in Jackson, where he has been able to swim, bike and run. The Richardsons will eventually return to New Orleans within three months and will have to deal with the rigors of starting a new life without having a home to go back to, but in the meantime Paul has dedicated the race on Nov. 5 to a special person.

Paul is dedicating his first full-distance Ironman event to his best friend’ s daughter, Harlie, who was born last week with a heart defect and who may have to endure five open-heart surgeries before the age of 15.

“I’m actually blessed in a way,” Paul said. “I lost everything I owned in order to realize that I have everything I need. I was just too blind to see it.”

More than 2,000 triathletes from around the world are expected to compete in the 2005 Ford Ironman Florida. Athletes will be competing for 80 qualifying spots to the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $55,000 pro-prize purse.