WACO, Texas (KWTX) - A Dallas financial adviser who was paralyzed in a devastating car crash five years ago made history this weekend, becoming the first paraplegic athlete to ever complete IRONMAN Waco.

Eric Cardenas, 43, crossed the finish line of the 70. 3-mile half-distance race on Sunday, completing a 56-mile handcycle bike ride and a 13. 1-mile run in a custom racing chair after storms forced organizers to cancel the 1. 2-mile swim portion.

Cardenas had trained and was fully prepared to swim the 1. 2-mile Brazos River course using only his upper body.