Catriona Williams Conquers NY Marathon

One-time elite equestrian rider - now wheelchair bound athlete Catriona Williams is celebrating an "achievement of a lifetime," after conquering the New York City Marathon this morning.


Williams, who was left a tetraplegic after a shattering fall while competing at a three-day event in 2002, pushed herself and her handcycle to the limit, completing the 42.2km route in just on four hours.

It was 10 minutes outside the target she had set for herself - but for Williams - the finishing time meant little to the sense of achievement as she crossed the line.

"For me the highlight was just completing it and having so many gorgeous friends and family to share in the moment. Oh my goodness how could you not enjoy it. With everyone cheering you on, you feel like the most important person in the world. It is pretty incredible. It is not like you are cycling that distance. Everyone was sweeping me along with their enthusiasm."

Twenty other kiwi athletes waving the flag for the CatWalk Trust which Williams founded, including eventing legend Mark Todd, who defied doctors orders not to run after suffering an archilles injury, also crossed the finish line in the Big Apple this morning.

Even before Williams group hit New York, they had already raised more than $200,000 for the Trust, which helps fund research into spinal cord injuries.

More about Catriona Williams

• Twice winner of Pony of the Year on her fabulous ponies Meisha and Harlequin


• Bomac Grand Prix winner at the NZ Horse of the Year 2001 with NRM Falcon


• Bell Tea 2 and 3 Star CCI winners on NRM Preview and NRM Graphic respectively


• 15th Badminton, 15th Open Europeans - Burghley, 15th Saumur with NRM Win For Me


• Competing at the 1999 World Cup Final in Sweden on NRM Falcon

Catriona competed at both Grand Prix level Showjumping and Advanced level Eventing, a rare feat also achieved by the likes of Olympians Mark Todd, Blyth Tait and Vaughn Jefferies.

Catriona's passion for horses has continued despite the tragic fall on 10 November 2002. Competing at an event in the North Island of New Zealand, spinal cord injuries left Catriona a C6-7 tetraplegic. However while the accident may have changed her mobility, it definitely has not stopped her drive and determination.


Working from a wheelchair meant a steep learning curve in everyday life skills for both Catriona and her husband Sam (pictured at Little Avondale Stud with their dog Billy).

Although things slowed down initially it wasn't long before everyone was back on track with Catriona taking over the communication and marketing of Little Avondale Stud, a thoroughbred breeding operation she owns with her husband Sam in Masterton, New Zealand. The use of today's technology has enabled Catriona to maximise every opportunity presented.

Her friends will also admit that keeping up with Catriona in her specially adapted car is not easy. She's totally independent in it and regularly drives a number of important and trusting people!

Catriona's plight has seen her and friends form a group which planned to fundraise for Williams herself - but the bigger picture quickly became clear. A cure for all was her dream - and so CatWalk was born. The charity has a star-studded list of patrons from champion jockey Lance O'Sullivan to eventers Mark Todd and Zara Phillips and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

The CatWalk Trust is dedicated to raising funds to support the body of scientific opinion which says a cure for Spinal Cord Injury will be found. Of the current research, Willams comments, "There is some amazing research going on out there and if we can help fund it, the more it progresses. It is not a question of if I walk again, it is when.

"I want to dance with my husband again. Dancing on my feet, holding Sam again, will be the ultimate prize."

Sources: Stuff.co.nz, [URL="http://www.catwalk.org.nz/"]Catwalk Trust[/URL], [URL="http://www.lastud.co.nz/"]Little Avondale Stud
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