Emmanuel Gastaud never travels to the ”World Transplant Games” empty. After obtaining a silver medal in the Newcastle triathlon four years ago, the Cagnois has just brought back three charms from the worlds, which have just been disputed in Perth in Australia and which brought together 2,000 athletes from 60 countries. Two gold (team running, triathlon) and one bronze (individual running).
“I’m very happy. I had prepared really well for six months, specifically on this type of effort with a coach (Estelle Maurin). The goal was to get on the podium.”explained Monday the president of the US Cagnes triathlon, barely returned home.
The triathlete won in the 40-49 age category, with the third time of all the competitors, going under the hour in a test where he had to chain 500m of swimming, 20km of cycling and 5km of running. All under 30 degrees. “I came out in third position in swimming, following that it became strategic and it was played out a few seconds away. I made the difference, because I made better transitions. I had really worked on them and that made me happy. Saved 30-40 seconds”.
In addition to sporting performance, this 42-year-old father takes part in these events to send a message. “Organ donation saves lives”continues the one who is responsible for communication of the Mercantour park. “We are fighting over medals, but there is a lot of benevolence. Sport is very important in the health course of the transplant recipient. And we are proud to hold these championships, which are our Olympic Games. It’s a way of thanking the donors, because some athletes wouldn’t be here without them”.
Transplanted twice
Emmanuel Gastaud can put forward his own experience, he who has been transplanted twice from the kidney.
“The first at 17 in 1997 and the second in 2011. Between the two, I spent four years on dialysis, hooked to a machine. The transplant is a rebirth. Besides, we celebrate our birthday twice : the day of our birth and our rebirth”.
The triathlete allowed the French team to bring back a first world title by team in running. With a lot of motivation and system D because these athletes are not really accompanied. “We are neither Elites nor para-athletes, so we cannot join a Federation. We represent France, but we have no help for coaching, financing expensive travel or arranging training I had to take fifteen days off and find partners to help me finance this trip to Australia “regrets the Azurean.
Triathlon and cross-country skiing
“There might be a ‘transplanted’ or ‘chronic disease’ category just like the multitude of categories in the para. It would be a great recognition following all that we have been through”.
If the legislation evolves, this would allow him to consider the sequel more calmly, because the Cagnes already has plenty of ideas in mind. “There will be the European Games in August 2024 in Lisbon and there is also the World Transplant Games in winter version in March 2024 in Bormio. I would like to compete in cross-country skiing and why on the parallel giant”reflects this emeritus athlete, who will pass on the other side of the barrier, since he will organize the Cagnes-sur-Mer triathlon (Challenge family) on June 11th…
