Local Triathlete Donates Kidney, Starts Racing Again | News

We all have goals in life and we all have to overcome obstacles, but one man from Maple Grove has given more than most.

Two years after a life-changing surgery, he's back doing what he loves. John is no stranger to hard work with multiple triathlons under his belt. The only stranger in this story is the recipient of his kidney.

He says it was just something inside him that told him to do it, but for the last two years he's had to give up what he loves. Pain and complications slowed his recovery, but two race seasons later, he's finally back.

"This triathlon will mean more than any of the others I've done," said John Barker. "I'll be really excited to cross the finish line, it's been a long time coming."

John will be racing in the Lifetime Fitness Tri around Lake Nokomis on July 14.