A diabetes sufferer is celebrating after beating the odds to take part in a gruelling race. Gary Blakie, 21, from Sunderland, has been competing in the 2005 Triathlon World Championships in Honolulu, Hawaii. Despite having to tackle the many challenges of diabetes, Gary completed the gruelling 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run in an impressive 2hrs and 18mins. Gary, who came 8th in the UK championships to qualify for a place in the British Team, said: "I'm not an athlete who became a diabetic - I was a kid who developed diabetes who became an athlete. "My greatest motivation to overcome my diabetes has been to compete in events like this and prove to the world I can succeed and be the best I can be - it makes all the blood, sweat and tears worth while." Gary, who developed Type 1 diabetes when he was 12, controls his condition with a combination of a long-acting basal insulin analogue to control his background insulin levels and a short-acting insulin that he takes at mealtimes. Duncan Robertson, from Diabetes UK, said: "Gary is a wonderful example of how an enthusiastic and caring young person can not only overcome his diabetes, but also inspire others with diabetes to raise their own personal expectations in sport and life." According to Diabetes UK the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK has reached at least 2 million. Gary added: "When I start a race I know it won't be my diabetes that holds me back. "If you are willing to fight don't hold back. Your friends will help you, your family will support and cheer you and so will I." | 
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