Sage swims for para-triathlon team

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Tayna Sage of Prospect, center, Tony Allegretti, left, and volunteer guide Kathie Wynkoop take part in the Dave Parcell’s Madison Triathlon on Sept. 7.  -KATIE JOLY
Tayna Sage of Prospect, center, Tony Allegretti, left, and volunteer guide Kathie Wynkoop take part in the Dave Parcell’s Madison Triathlon on Sept. 7. -KATIE JOLY

MADISON — Tanya Sage of Prospect participated in the Dave Parcells Madison Triathlon on Sept. 7 as part of an adaptive relay team with the Gaylord Sports Association’s Para-Triathlon Team.

Sage, who is legally blind, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2001 and endured surgery, 25 radiation treatments and four or five chemotherapy treatments. In 2005, she suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. She completed the half-mile swim leg at the para-triathlon in 43:58.

“It was awesome. I had such a great time, it was amazing,” said Sage in a press release.

Sage, who has participated in several triathlons in the past, recently began training with the Gaylord Sport Association’s Para-Triathlon program, which is run collaboratively between the sports association and the Wheeler YMCA. The program prepares, trains and supports selected athletes with physical disabilities to compete in a community-based sprint triathlon. This year, the team included eight athletes with disabilities, and over 15 volunteers who helped throughout the season and on race day.   

Sage was partnered with a volunteer who trained with her throughout the summer. 

“I loved training with Kathie (her swim guide),” Sage said in the release. “I can focus on swimming, more than the sighting.”  

Sage added the support of her team was also beneficial.

“To know that there are other people that are in the same boat as you, and that you are all in it together, and all out there to do your personal best,” she said.

Sage, who works at the Naugatuck YMCA, is planning on continuing her training with a goal to complete the entire race herself next year using a tandem bicycle, according to the press release.