GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Mary Free Bed athletes and their care teams took center stage at the Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon this weekend in East Grand Rapids.

The event marked the fifth year that patients, prosthetists and therapists competed together, showing how teamwork and determination can carry athletes across the finish line.

Event Coordinator and participant Lyndzie Motcheck said the race has always been about more than competition.

“I’m feeling great. It was a great experience," she said. "I started with a bunch of my co-workers, and we all ended around the same time. So it’s always fun getting out of the water and seeing some friendly faces."

As the event coordinator, Motcheck pairs adaptive athletes with clinicians to complete the swim, bike and run as relay teams.

“I h

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