Chilliwack cop competes in Iron Man after being told she'd never run again

Back in 2002 Chilliwack RCMP Corporal Deb Drozda suffered a serious injury, and doctors told her she’d likely never be able to run again.

May 31st, Drozda was in Hawaii competing in an Ironman event, one of the most gruelling races on the planet.

The Hawaii Ironman is a 2 kilometer swim, followed by a 90 kilometer cycle and 21 kilometer run, punishing enough for even the best athletes.

Drozda wasn’t deterred and has dedicated herself to rehabbing over the years and says finishing the race was a big accomplishment.

“The fact that over that entire day, the swim was extended due to the current in the ocean, there was no wind so the heat was pretty high. And just to be able to say yes I completed this on top of the conditions, I was pretty happy to have it over with.”

Drozda says support from her family helped inspire her to take the challenge on.

“No matter what the circumstances or the obstacles anybody faces, anything is doable. And I think with the proper support system you can pretty much inspire anybody to do what they have in their heart.”

Drozda says she’s looking forward to her next Ironman in Penticton in August.