Cancer survivor turns from spectator to starter at IRONMAN New Zealand

Cancer survivor Ross Fisher is no stranger to IRONMAN - or should that be the event is no stranger to him, it is one he has journeyed to for 20 years from his home in Auckland to watch in person. But after all those years of being a spectator, this 47-year-old father of four girls will be right in amongst it at Kelloggs Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand, having overcome more than most to be on the start line.

Not surprising for someone with such a passion for watching the event, IRONMAN has for a long time been on the bucket list for Fisher. That list and a desire to conquer Taupo was brought into stark perspective when four years ago Fisher was diagnosed with bowel cancer and immediately had surgery and chemo. His recovery has been superb, but the impact on his life and way of thinking is with him and his family every day.

"Going through cancer puts a whole lot of things in perspective, it was one of those things, the time felt right, I handled it so well, so I thought why not give that a go, I got through cancer I can get through IRONMAN," said Fisher.

"Ive been a spectator for 20 years at least, I maybe missed a couple. The children have grown up coming down to watch, and it was always on my bucket list to do. I was at the 2017 event and came home and was talking to my wife about it, and she said, why don't you just get on with it, youre not getting any younger - I took that as permission, and so the next day I hooked up with a coach in the area and got on to it."

Fisher recalls getting his cancer diagnosis, but has always retained a positive attitude, something that has served him well training for IRONMAN.

"It was May 2013 when I was diagnosed with Bowel cancer, so I had surgery and then chemo for six months, and another surgery a year after putting my bowel back together. They had removed part of my bowel and put me on a colostomy bag for a year while I was on the chemo and then reversed it and since then I have had no issues.

"I am still on some daily meds, but the whole process of having bowel cancer and treatment from my point of view went so well that I was working the day after I had chemo. Every fortnight I had chemo and the next day I was back at work and half my customers didnt even know. I feel I came through the whole cancer thing with flying colours, it could have been a shit load worse, but it wasnt in my case."

Now in the final six months of the five-year checkups following his all-clear, there is no question that Fishers attitude to life and all it throws at you has played a part in his recovery and training for March 3.

"Id like to think so, as I say I came through with flying colours, but a lot of that is to do with my outlook on life, my positive demeanor. Im not the kind of person to sat back and self-analyze, I listened to advice and did what I was told and came through it. It definitely takes a mental toll on you and those around you though.

"It puts things in perspective, you sit back and work out what is important, and you start to make a list of things you want to achieve in your life, for me beating cancer was the big one then your mindset changes, and you think okay what else do I set my mind to and what else can I achieve, because I can."

Ross is not completely new to the sport but has to go back some time to his previous involvement, and it was nothing like the journey he is currently on.

"Fifteen to twenty years ago I was doing a few triathlons and ocean swims. I was very much a social athlete, a weekend warrior, so it just seemed right to step up. Most years watching, I saw people I knew doing the event and would always support whoever I could, now I guess it is my turn.

"Over the years Ive slowed down on the exercise front, put on weight, watched the IRONMAN and got motivated again. Im ready for it, the final few weeks will tell the tale, but I think I am where I need to be at this point in time and confident that on the day everything will work itself out."

Ross has enjoyed great support too from Creative Triathlon Coaching, with a group of close to 20 all training for IRONNMAN New Zealand.

"Training is going fantastic, I have been working with Sue at Creative Triathlon Coaching since last March. Last month we had a four-day camp in Taupo, where we swam the course twice, rode the bike course and while I am yet to run a full marathon, I feel pretty happy with training to date. Im on top of it and Im doing everything I need to be doing and the crew Im training with is fantastic."

Wife Jo and the girls (Bridget 22, Sophie 19, Kate 17, Amy 14) continue to be an amazing support network for Ross and will continue to do so in the lead up to the race and on event day. And you can be sure that this amazing 47-year-old will enjoy every cheer and shout of encouragement from those watching, just as he has done for thousands of others over the past 20 years.