Army Maj. Scott Smiley was leading his platoon through Iraq in 2005 when a bomb exploded in the road and left him completely blind. Upon returning to civilian life after service, Smiley found it difficult to cope with his injury. However, he quickly realized that he needed to overcome his disability and began to take on challenges like climbing Washington's Mount Rainier and his most recent accomplishment, completing the Ironman Triathlon.
With determination comes success
After rehab, Smiley knew he had to be strong to take care of his wife, Tiffany.
"I could let my mind go in a way and say we're ruined and we're not going to be able to do anything," Tiffany told CBS News. "Or I could go the other way and be his biggest cheerleader. And I sort of took that on, even if I didn't believe it myself."
With the support of Tiffany and his brother-in-law, Smiley tackled the Ironman Triathlon – a 2.5-mile swim, a 100-mile bike ride and a 26-mile marathon. If that is not enough, he had to compete in 135-degree heat. Smiley told CBS News that finishing the race made him realize that no matter what your situation is, if you set your mind to something, you can achieve it.
According to People magazine, his successful race is going to be the subject of a documentary to be released in November 2015.