Wheelchair rugby coach takes on Marvel challenge

Sally Sycha will take on the full challenge on 16 August at Dorney Lake

A wheelchair rugby coach will be dressed as Captain Marvel as she takes on the most difficult challenge available at a sports event for people with disabilities.

Sally Sycha, 40, from Wokingham, Berkshire, will take on the full Superhero Tri at Dorney Lake, near Windsor, in August.

Health conditions left the mum-of-two needing a wheelchair weeks into her second pregnancy as she could collapse after standing for a couple of minutes.

The coach at the Berkshire Banshees wheelchair rugby club said it was tough to adjust initially but that she now has the "confidence" to celebrate who she is.

"In the early days, I wasn't comfortable being disabled, I wasn't comfortable being seen.

"I didn't feel I had a place in the world any more so my first wheelchair was all black. I tried not to be seen," she said.

"Now I'm not trying to be hidden. I am colourful and I am seen and have a right to be in the world.

"I have that confidence that I didn't to begin with."

She takes on the event's full challenge - a 750m swim, a 20km (12.4-mile) bike ride and a 5km (3.1-mile) push/run - having completed shorter challenges in previous years.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event dressed as their favourite superhero.

Backed by Marvel, the event on 16 August will be the Superhero Tri's ninth edition.

Famous faces at 2024's event included comedian and presenter Adam Hills and Paralympic equestrian gold medallist Sophie Christiansen.

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