For many, a serious accident could interfere with our drive to move forward, or cause us to lose hope.

For WHS DECA adviser Matthew Pakinas, surviving and recovering from a serious biking accident was not the end to his competitive and successful athletic lifestyle, but rather, another stepping stone leading to his ultimate goal: future opportunities to compete.

The accident took place in Wilmington, N.C., on Oct. 21. Pakinas had flown across the country to compete in his first Ironman triathlon, and was finishing up a light workout with close friends the day before the race.

“I was just out for a quick 20-minute run, 20-minute swim and 20-minute bike ride,” Pakinas said. “There were lots of grated bridges to cross [on the bike course]… I was coming up the ascent of the bridge. I saw my friend’s back tire skid out a little and that was the last thing I remember.”

Pakinas’ front tire had caught in one of the grates of a bridge on the course, throwing him over his handlebars.

“If it wasn’t for my helmet, I don’t like to think about what could have happened,” he said.

Unconscious, Pakinas was immediately taken to the ER trauma room where he received treatment and reconstructive surgery for serious injuries including multiple lacerations to his hands and face. He spent the night in the hospital and was able to return home two days later on Nov. 23.

“I recovered so quickly. I’m pretty lucky,” he said.

Pakinas answered with certainty that this accident will not deter him from continuing his training or participation in future competitions. Next on schedule for him is an Ironman triathlon on June 11 in Boulder, Colo., followed by another in Coeur ‘d’Alene, Idaho. He hopes to also qualify for the Boston Marathon and Kona Ironman, the Ironman world championship competition in Hawaii.

“I love the mentality of competition… and I don’t believe in quitting. [After recovery] I’ll be even more ready. I’m not a believer in fear limiting the potential of what you can do.”