He has always had a passion for sports and running in particular. As a young boy he was involved with cross-country clubs, which in turn led him to be a regular participant in the running circuit.

By the time he was a young man Karol was competing on an almost weekly basis, travelling across the country to take part in races. In December 2003 Karol won an award for completing all five of the Bob Mullan 5K races that had taken place that season.

"A few years back I was running a race nearly every other weekend, running was part of my life. I love every aspect of a race it, the competition, the feeling it gives you, there's nothing like it."

Tragedy struck

Only a few months after competing in the Bob Mullan races, tragedy struck and Karol found himself in a wheelchair following a road traffic accident in Inishowen. His life had been completely transformed but where many would have faltered and resigned themselves to a list of lost opportunities, Karol's absolute passion for sport ensured that one aspect of his life did not change.

"I didn't take up racing for some kind of therapy, I didn't need to. I had already discovered how amazing this sport is. I simply continued to do something I love, something which I have always devoted a large part of my life to and as before the thrill of being in a race is as great as ever."

While the emotional ups and downs of racing stayed the same for Karol, the physical challenges have changed completely.

When asked if he would describe himself as a wheelchair athlete he says no, that he is just an athlete. He refers to the Irish Wheelchair Association director of sport Mairead Farquharson who states that wheelchair racing is now recognised as one of the 'toughest' competitive sports an athlete can participate in.

"The focus of my training has shifted to the upper body so I divide my time between the gym and my racing bike. Competing in races is definitely more demanding like this, it's incredibly tough to go the distance, it's one hell of a long time to go round."

Despite this Karol is still a very successful competitor. He participated in two half marathons within one week last year and came first in one, the National Half Marathon held in Ballybofey.

Before his accident Karol had never taken part in a marathon although he always planned to eventually. Since then he has raced in the Dublin and Belfast marathons, he has also competed in the half marathons of Derry, Omagh, Strabane, Lisburn and has loved the experience.

"It's not about winning, although of course there is an element of competition that gears everyone up on the day. There is also a great social element, everyone gets to know each other and enjoys meeting up at various races, it has always been like that."

Love for running

Karol's family have also been so moved by his appreciation of the sport that both his parents ran in the Waterside Half Marathon with him last year.