Wokingham’s own Sally Sycha, a mum-of-two and passionate wheelchair rugby coach, is taking on a massive challenge at this summer’s Superhero Tri, powered by Marvel, at Dorney Lake on 16 August 2025.
A player and coach with the Berkshire Banshees, Sally is gearing up to complete a 750m open water swim, a 20km cycle and a 5km wheelchair push — a huge step up from her previous Superhero Tri events.
But that’s not all. After crossing the finish line, she’ll jump straight into action again — leading wheelchair rugby taster sessions for participants and spectators, a first for the event.
Sally, who turned 40 this year, is using the milestone birthday to celebrate how far she’s come since her devastating diagnosis in her early thirties. During the first weeks of her second pregnancy, she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) — both of which drastically changed her life and left her unable to stand for more than two minutes without collapsing.
Bedbound during pregnancy
“I was completely bedbound during my second pregnancy,” says Sally. “I’d been ill through my teens and twenties, misdiagnosed with ME, then working full-time while masking symptoms. But just six weeks into my second pregnancy, with a toddler to care for as well, I lost the ability to stand, along with my confidence and sense of self.”
Sally says the Superhero Series events — including the summer’s Superhero Tri and Winter Wonderwheels — helped her reclaim confidence and joy. Even better, the event allows people to bring whatever gadgets and gizmos they need to complete the course – enabling Sally to get creative with adapting her recumbent bike, wheelchair and super hero costume to speed her round.
Much more able now I’m disabled
“I’m so much more able now that I’m disabled. I’ve found my place, and I want others to know they can find theirs too.
“In those early days, I didn’t want anyone to see me. I chose a black wheelchair to stay invisible. But gradually, I found confidence. Now my wheelchair is brightly coloured with penguin valve caps and I wear jazzy leggings and bold colours. I want people to see what I can do.” Especially important to Sally is showing her children, Reu 11 and Eben 8, her joy, pride and sense of achievement.
Sally is in her flamboyant element at Superhero Tri as she loves the storytelling that headline sponsor Marvel bring to the event. She will take on the course in a custom-adapted Captain Marvel onesie, revealed after her swim.
The 750m swim will be the hardest part for Sally who has previously only done the half distance of 400m in the water. In classic style Sally she simply says, “I’ll just have to grab a noodle, take a deep breath and give it my best shot!”
No time to rest
Once she’s crossed the finish line, Sally won’t have time to rest. Instead, she’ll be racing across to support the Berkshire Banshees as they hold wheelchair rugby taster sessions to give others the chance to experience the camaraderie and adrenaline of the sport Sally credits with transforming her life. She is now the only female wheelchair rugby coach in the UK, and earlier this year was part of the coaching team at the Invictus Games in Canada.
The Superhero Tri is the UK’s only mass-participation event dedicated to people with disabilities. With thousands set to take part, the event is known for its incredible atmosphere, inclusivity and sheer sense of joy — something Sally says keeps her coming back year after year.
“There’s no pressure, no judgement — just pure celebration. Everyone is welcome and everyone’s in a brilliant mood. It’s the most supportive community I’ve ever known.”
Find out more at www.superheroseries.co.uk
