The Arizona Republic
Lester works past tragic events
Doug Haller
Apr. 11, 2007

Let’s be honest. Sunday’s Ford Ironman Arizona is filled with inspirational tales. Anyone who swims 2.4 miles, bikes 112 and runs 26.2 deserves the public’s admiration.

But Jason Lester’s tale merits extra attention, simply because of the obstacles involved.

Everyone has overcome something in life. But Lester’s setbacks kept coming, and he kept persevering.

“I want to travel the world and share my message,” Lester said. “Hopefully it inspires people.”

Forget that the state took him from his mother at age 2 because she was unfit to parent. Forget that he stayed with foster parents until his father completed the custody process.

Fast forward to Oct. 31, 1986. Lester was riding his bike at 35th Avenue and Bethany Home Road. A woman, driving 70 mph, ran a red light and struck him, throwing Lester nearly 130 feet. The car sped away, leaving Lester to die.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/azetc/articles/0411ironman0411.html