Canyon Lake Para-Cyclist takes Bronze
“A dream realized” aptly captures the essence of an inspirational Canyon Lake para-cyclist‘s journey to securing a bronze medal in Adelaide, Australia at the Adelaide 2024 Para Cycling Road World Cup earlier this month. This achievement is not just a testament to skill and perseverance, but also to innovation and courage in the face of adversity.
The journey began over 12 years ago for Michael Davis when he discovered the sport of para-cycling on an upright tricycle. Fueled by the discovery of international competitions, a vision was formed to win gold at the Paralympics.
Photo provided by Michael Davis
Initially, like all Paralympic-level trikes, the cyclist started with a tricycle configured with two wheels at the back. However, this standard design proved challenging, leading to over 20 crashes and a severe knee injury when he fractured his kneecap into five pieces.
Undeterred and determined to continue, Michael ventured into uncharted territory by having a trike custom-built with two front wheels, aligning with international competition standards. This innovative design was a first in the world of para-cycling. Despite uncertainties about its effectiveness, the results were soon apparent.
Canyon Lake’s Michael Davis is all smiles with his just-acquired bronze medal around his neck at the World Cup ParaCycling games in Adelaide, Australia on Jan. 16. He took Third Place, only eight seconds out of First Place in the Road Event.
Competing in Adelaide, the cyclist finished just 8 seconds behind the first place in the Road Race, a remarkable feat that underlines the effectiveness of the unique trike design. He finished in fourth place in his second event, the Time Trial.
Buoyed by this success, there is now a strategic plan to take the lead and expand the gap in upcoming competitions in Belgium and Italy in May. In addition to athletic pursuits, Michael is channeling experiences into a book titled, “From the Grave to Gold.” This forthcoming publication, expected to be released in about two months, narrates the cyclist‘s life story and the quest for a Paralympic gold medal. It promises to be an inspiring account of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.