WA teenager Theo Grant has been living with type 1 diabetes since he was two-years-old, but the condition hasn't stopped him from setting big goals and achieving them.
Last month Theo competed in the Tour of Margaret River, one of the largest compeititve road cycling events in Australia that runs over three days.
"The first day seeds you into what category your team will be in, we got seeded into B grade, the second highest," Theo said.
"On the second day I managed to get second place by breaking away with over 60 kilometers to go with a few other riders and we stayed away until the end. On the third day our team managed to work together and secure 2nd place in the overall team classification.
The 17-year-old, who has been living with T1D for about 15 years, rode just under 210kms during the three days, all while managing his T1D.
He said his preparation for the event happened over a couple years, "as my end goal is to race professionally against the best in the world and this race has just been a stepping stone in the process".
"This year I have been focusing on my recovery, focusing on sleep and nutrition while working with my coaches and my team at cycling development foundation to build my fitness and skill to chase this dream."
"During the race I managed my sugars by fueling with over 70 carbs per hour and having my pump on an automatic loop with a higher target. Off the bike I resumed the loop and kept track of how many carbs and protein I had eaten to make the best guess as to how much insulin I need and over what duration, I know if I get my sugars right my recovery is better and I'll perform as best as I can."
Theo has this message to other youth living with diabetes: "Don't think you are bound to a certain lifestyle with this condition, it isn't controlling you but you need to learn how to manage it so you can live your best life."
"I fully believe that diabetes may change the way you live, but it doesn’t change what you’re capable of. So if you have a dream and you think diabetes is holding you back, remember that the best thing you can do is to just try."
Congratulations Theo on your cycling achievements.