Monday, May 1, 2023 – Nyon

 

 

Two years after completing a half-Ironman, Yannick Tachet is taking on an even crazier challenge: finishing a full Ironman. Dubbed Iron Yaya, the challenge is monumental for the 30-year-old from Nyon, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disease diagnosed at the age of 12.

 

Despite his mobility difficulties, and with doctors predicting he would be wheelchair-bound by the time he turned 18, Yannick has always strived to overcome his illness. Completing an Ironman is the next step in his determination to push his limits even further.

 

Yannick Tachet, founder of Sport4Hope, declares: "I have always had the desire to complete an Ironman. I want to prove, even if the disease progresses, even if the doctors assure me that things are becoming increasingly complicated, that I am capable of taking on such a challenge and always aiming higher."

 

The challenge is significant, as Yannick will have to swim 4 km and ride a tandem bicycle on
180 km and finishing with a 42 km walk. The feat will take place over three days and three cantons from August 25 to 27, 2023.

 

The swimming portion will take place at the Domaine des Îles in Sion, before Yannick takes to his bike on a route laid out between the Valais capital and the Domaine des Ours in Dully, passing through Geneva and Nyon. Finally, the finish line for the walk is at the En Bord sports center in Gland, a symbolic location as Yannick is an integral member of FC Gland, which he has been coaching for two years.

 

 

A new message of hope for all people living with a rare disease

 

“The challenge doesn’t scare me, but it’s clear that I need to prepare myself physically, but especially mentally, to meet this challenge. I know that the goals of the Sport4Hope association will help me move forward in difficult times,” Yannick Tachet continued.

 

Because naturally, this incredible new performance is achieved with the desire to promote the Sport4Hope association, of which Yannick is the founder and president.

 

Since its creation in 2021, Sport4Hope aims to offer a message of hope through sport to all people with a rare disease or condition, but also to raise funds for research, as well as to organize events to facilitate access to sport for all people with disabilities.