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From beating alcoholism to overcoming PTSD, five stories of leaping over personal barriers
New beginnings

What does it take to vault a personal obstacle? Five Canadians share their stories about leaping over the barrier that was holding them back

This article was published more than 10 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

Triathlete Trish McAlaster on getting out of a rut

Trish McAlaster competed in the 2015 ITU Duathlon World Championships in Australia.

Trish McAlaster competed in the 2015 ITU Duathlon World Championships in Australia.

Kathryn Thomas

Chef Matty Matheson on going sober

Matty Matheson’s four Toronto restaurants include Parts & Labour.

Matty Matheson’s four Toronto restaurants include Parts & Labour.

Guide runner Joshua Karanja on staying in the game

Jason Dunkerley, front left, and his guide runner, Joshua Karanja, in 2013: The pair are currently training for the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.

Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press

Rwandan Joseph Niyibizi on overcoming PTSD

Joseph Niyibizi survived the Rwandan genocide and, later, a catastrophic earthquake in Nepal.

Joseph Niyibizi survived the Rwandan genocide and, later, a catastrophic earthquake in Nepal.

Christinne Muschi for The Globe and Mail

Pulmonary fibrosis patient Ken Douglas on surviving a double-lung transplant

Lung transplant recipient Ken Douglas is seen here at his Ottawa home with his wife, Sally, and his sons, Lachlan and Jock.

Lung transplant recipient Ken Douglas is seen here at his Ottawa home with his wife, Sally, and his sons, Lachlan and Jock.

Dave Chan for the globe and mail