A pulled hamstring during a 1999 triathlon sidelined Fahner-Vihtelic, but after 10 years away from the intense mental and physical activity, Fahner-Vihtelic signed up for the July 5 Buffalo Triathlon. Encouraged with his effort, he registered for his first NYC Triathlon, which is expected to draw 3,400 athletes from 50 states and 20 countries to Manhattan. But Fahner-Vihtelic’s actions reach beyond triathlons.
In 2005 he started working with wounded soldiers just back from Iraq, assisting these veterans at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Many of the veterans, most in their early to late 20s, have no idea what sports are available to them, Fahner-Vihtelic said, so he counsels them on becoming active.
