Less than four years ago, Bob Sobieski could hardly move more than a few feet without feeling intense pain.

At age 10, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. By 30, he was nearly blind and a few years after that experienced end stage renal failure. In early 2004, Sobieski had a double organ transplant of his kidney and pancreas.

"I was almost dead four years ago," Sobieski said. "You don't know what you have until you get real sick."

Sobieski has recovered in style. Now 41 and legally blind, the 1984 Westville graduate lets nothing stop him.

Last weekend Sobieski completed three separate races in the Accenture Chicago Triathlon -- one triathlon on Saturday and two more on Sunday to complete the Triple Crown. He was the first vision impaired/challenged athlete to accomplish the feat.

"It's just a step up to show people what a challenged person could do," Sobieski said. "My wife (Kerri) thinks I'm nuts, but I just enjoy the heck out of it."

Sobieski's 15-year-old daughter, Kaytlyn, guided him through the shorter race on Saturday. Valparaiso mayor Jon Costas, an accomplished veteran triathlete, guided Sobieski in both races on Sunday.

"Jon is a very busy man, and I just appreciate it so much," Sobieski said. "I asked him in April, and he never once batted an eye. He didn't even look at his calendar, and said, 'Yeah, I'll be there.'"

"When he asked me to do it I really considered it a great honor and a privilege," Costas said. "I was looking forward to it all summer."

Sobieski was inspired to try triathlons after completing a 55-mile bike event called the Tour de Cure, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association, in 2005. He has completed 14 triathlons since May 2006.

During that time, he has lost about 60 pounds.

"I feel 110 percent better than what I did," Sobieski said.

For the most part, Sobieski is able to train by himself. He swims laps at the Valparaiso Family YMCA, where he also participates in Spinning bike classes, and runs outside on a 6-mile loop around town.

During triathlons, he is attached to his partner with a rubber cord during the swim. He then follows his guide on the bike and run, although he says he'd like to be able to purchase a tandem bike permitted for use in triathlons.

He has 15 percent vision in one eye, but says it is getting worse. Sobieski has to take anti-rejection medications, a total of 150 pills per week.

That's not going to stop him from competing. On Sept. 8, he's going to run the Popcorn Panic while pushing his 13-year-old son, Kyle, in a wheelchair. Kyle has cerebral palsy.

Sobieski's next big adventure is a half Ironman (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) at the end of October in San Diego, and he's hoping to compete in a full Ironman event next year in Idaho.

"Bob has a lot of heart. I have no doubt if he sets his mind to it he can accomplish it," Costas said. "I will be sure to encourage him and help him any way I can."

Sobieski is involved with two charities, the C Different Foundation and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, both based out of California. The foundations help pay for some of his expenses, and he's also embarking on a career as a motivational speaker.

"I'm not disabled, but I'm able," Sobieski said. "I want to be known as normal."