On June 21, Gregory Buckman, 31, of Garden City proved to himself and to the world that he has what it takes to complete a triathlon.

Almost 11 years prior to the Long Island Gold Coast Triathlon in July 1987, Greg broke his neck. He had been at his family's lakeside vacation home in upstate New York. He, his brothers and friends were running and jumping into the lake, sometimes doing flips, landing in the water on their feet. One of Greg's flips went terribly wrong, and he landed on his head. His uncle, Jim Matheu, who watched Greg at the Triathlon last week, reported that Greg was face down, in eight inches of water. The others thought he was fooling around, but then realized he could not move and was drowning. He was carefully pulled out of the water. Upon examination at the hospital, it was found that he had broken his C4 and C5 vertebrae. Doctors told the family that Greg would never walk again. Nancy Buckman, Greg's mom, said the family didn't want their 20-year-old son to lose hope and asked the doctors not to share that information with him. After six months of hospitalization and intensive rehabilitation, Greg managed to walk out of the hospital.

Greg Buckman, who was between his junior and senior year at Sienna College when the accident occurred, went back to school and completed his degree. He is currently working as a computer programmer/developer for Projinet, a software development company in Garden City.

Greg had always been athletic. In high school, he played varsity baseball. After the accident, he joined a gym and continues to work out. He retaught himself to water ski and snow ski. He also plays golf regularly, dismissing the use of a cart, choosing instead to walk the course, carrying his clubs.

When his high school buddies and close friends, Jim Kelly and Ben Semmes, participated in the first Long Island Gold Coast Triathlon last year, Greg set himself the lofty goal of completing the same race. This past Father's Day his goal was realized. He swam the 1/2 mile swim, cycled the 12.5 mile bike course and walked with the aid of two canes the entire 3.2 mile run course, finishing the race in just under four hours. Jim Kelly did not run in this year's Long Island Gold Coast Triathlon, but chose to be there for his friend, Greg, as coach, supporter and witness to Buckman's accomplishment.

Race director Jose Lopez reported that he has heard from at least 40 of the triathletes who raced that day. They called to express what Greg's race meant to them, and how it affected their outlook on the sport's challenges.

Those of us who were there to witness Greg's success were truly moved, many to tears. His courage and drive are an inspiration to us all. Greg challenged himself with the triathlon. He completed the course successfully, smiling all the way. He is a hero, a champion.