John David Dickerson from Altamont trained rigorously for the McMinnville City Triathlon. Dickerson is 23 years old and works as an engineer in Manchester. Before work, Dickerson often swims at the Manchester indoor pool. He trains on the bike with friends in Manchester. He runs on the mountain in Grundy County. 

Unfortunately, Dicker-son had two flat tires during the bike leg of the triathlon. He had one spare tire, and someone from McMinnville gave him the second spare. Dickerson’s mom, dad, and sister were at the race to support him, and they were heartbroken that he had bike trouble. 

Dickerson was understandably disappointed after the race. He said, “I only had one spare tire, but someone helped me out. I don’t know what my time was in the swim, but my run was OK. My family was here to support me.” 

There are a lot of obstacles in training and competing during a race. Two flat tires would have been an easy reason for John David Dickerson to quit the triathlon, yet he persevered. Although he may have been mentally challenged to continue after two flat tires, Dickerson showed how determination can overcome adversity. All the athletes in the McMinnville City Triathlon were an inspiration for everyone to exercise and enjoy the city of McMinnville.