About Francois
Francois Jacobs was the first blind man to complete the South African Ironman competition in April 2008. He also completed the WA Australian Ironman competition at the end of the same year.
Francois, who is blind since birth, completed the Ironman with fellow partner Jurie Krige in just under 14 hours with 3 hours left to spare! When they first met, Francois was looking for a tandem partner to possibly compete in the paralympics in Beijing, but Jurie suggested that they tackle the intimidating Ironman first.
Inspired by a passion for watching the Comrades marathon, Francois thinks it's a good thing for the public to see that being blind does not necessarily mean that a person would have to be physically inactive and dependent on others for everything. Beyond any darkness, there is light.
"I don't think I'm the fittest person around but I do know my mental strength and I'm sure I'll finish it. I also know that things like this inspire people on many different levels and if we managed to make a difference to at least one person then I think we have done well."
