A 10-Year-old Races for Her Father

Aired on: February 13, 2009

Ten-year-old Winter Vinecki has been competing in triathlons since she was 5 years old, but when her dad was diagnosed with prostrate cancer last year, the meaning behind her hobby changed completely. "I decided to use my talents to help him," she explains. "I'm good at doing triathlons, so I could maybe bring a smile to his face." Together with her mother, she created Team Winter as part of Athletes for a Cure to help raise money to fight prostrate cancer. To date, the determined triathlete has raised $100,000 for the cause. Her father watches proudly every time Winter completes the mile swim, 25-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run. "To have her finish," he says, "it's almost like I ran the race. Emotionally, it brings tears to my eyes every time I see her run."