My trip to Mexico was successful. I spoke to the Mexican Paralympic Community as well as a group of athletes from a private gym. It felt good to speak to athletes from my native country. In the three years since I first introduced the sport of handcycling to the Mexican community, the sport has grown so much that the Mexican Paralympic committee
is sending on athlete to Beijing! It makes me happy & proud that Mexico is stepping up and supporting this sport.
After my speech to the Mexican Olympic Committee, I was asked if I was interested in, or would consider, racing for Mexico. I was overwhelmed by such an offer, but I had to decline since this year I am representing my country,
the USA, in Beijing, but I will consider it in the near future.
I did some training at an altitude of about 9000 ft. MY heart was working at 185 to 195 BPM, my lungs were burning, my throat was dry, and my triceps were screaming for mercy. I had trained at high altitude before, but never at this height. In the future, I will try to come once again to this part of Mexico and train for three solid weeks prior to
competition.
I have visited Mexico several times since the time I was face with depression. I enjoy speaking with children about overcoming physical challenges and the importance of an education and respect for their elders. I do not have to
attend a school to peak to children; my wheelchair and handcycle attract them. I can be sitting for a couple minutes
and in no time I will have several children asking me, "What happened to you? How come you are in a wheelchair?
Can you walk? How can you drive? How many countries have you visited? Someday I will compete like you!"
It is important to me that they can see ME after a few minutes and not my chair. I would like to think that they will stay in school and be successful.
