18. Reid

In 2013, Reid, a lifelong athlete, had just arrived at university, ready for his first year of studying and triathlon training at McMaster University when an accidental fall off a bicycle changed everything. An injury to his shoulder not only put a halt to his training but also resulted in a decline in his mental health.

Reid painfully recalls the difficulty of this time in his life, when he no longer felt the happiness that once came so easily to him and he first began experiencing thoughts of not wanting to live anymore. Reid’s shoulder eventually healed and he was able to recover from this period of depression; however, he would soon learn that it wouldn’t be the only time that battling his mental health would become the fiercest competitor he’d ever meet.

As Reid continued on his path towards excellence in triathlon, he found himself questioning who he was outside of this sport that had consumed so much of his recent years. He lost that spark that had once lit up so brightly and once again, found himself looking around and trying to find the joy that had suddenly vanished from his life.  

Reid knew he’d need to push even harder this time to achieve the mental wellness he desired and surrounded himself with a team of mental health supporters. He gradually began feeling the fog around him lifting and was able to find his way back to himself.  

He credits this time of reflection and perseverance to the success he continues to enjoy in his life today, as a full-time ultra-marathon runner.