Father of the Century: Complete a triathlon with his daughter with cerebral palsy

A Michigan man is considered 'father of the century' for his love for his 13-year-old daughter who suffers from cerebral palsy, completing a triathlon taking her by water and on land to conclude the grueling event.

But she is not the first to make a career of this kind: 'She participated in more than 70 events, including half marathons, triathlons and other outdoor events'.

Van Beek and Maddy, who make up 'Maddy's team', participated in the 'Sanford and Sun' triathlon this Sunday.

Overall: The man completed a swim of 0.3 miles, 12.4 miles in bike and a 3.1 mile run, with Maddy in his arms.

Van Beek, 39, told Midland News that “he completed the events with his daughter, who cannot walk or talk, because she loves being outdoors, being in the water, feeling the breeze in her hair and in her face".

Maddy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy two months after she was born.

The father added: “It was one of the worst days of our lives. Everyone prays for healthy children, but if she hadn't been the way she is, then we wouldn't be the people we are today. "

“Her outlook changed when she saw her daughter participate in a marathon four years ago, and I saw the joy on her face. I saw my daughter Maddy being pushed in the Grand Rapids marathon. But seeing that she was so happy and how she enjoyed each event, it was more than I could imagine ”.

“Shortly after that day I stopped smoking 2 packs a day to be better with Maddy. It was a long road, with many ups and downs, but we are doing very well ”.

In an attempt to make her daughter happy, she began training for outdoor races at 2008. Van Beek, who was out of shape and a great smoker, also realized that it would be beneficial for him.

He persevered to get fit for his daughter, and raised money for charities along the way.

On his blog he wrote: “Emotion motivates and inspires me to do the things I do. Call it inspiration, motivation, or whatever you want to call it, I call it Love ”.

"This will never go away ... She is my heart and I'm on her legs, although someday she physically could not be able to be there with me, she will always be in my heart, silently encouraging me"

“I think Madison changed people's lives. Together we make a good team ”.

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