Finding Strength in Setbacks
Adversity, failure, and obstacles are inevitable, but I’ve always believed there’s something positive to uncover, even in the toughest moments.
On September 2, 2021, I was racing in the Tokyo Paralympics Road Race. We were flying downhill at 58.2 km/h when I saw the Canadian rider crash on a slick corner. I braked, but the wet road betrayed me. Sliding uncontrollably, I collided with the German rider and crashed hard behind the Canadian.
In those moments, I had one thought: “Just roll with it!” When I finally stopped sliding, I lay on the road, taking stock of my body. Nothing broken. Plenty of skin lost. My trike? Not so lucky—the rear wheel was smashed. Determined, I got back on after the mechanics made repairs, blood running down my arms and legs. I was desperate to catch the group, thinking of my family and friends watching live. They needed to see me fighting.
I finally stopped sliding!
What I didn’t realise was that I had been stopped for nearly 23 minutes. My ribs ached, and the longer I rode, the worse the pain got. By the time I finished the first lap, I knew I couldn’t continue. My injuries—a pneumothorax, severe bruising, and significant road rash—were too much.
It was devastating. My first-ever DNF (Did Not Finish). But even in that dark moment, I found positives. I formed an incredible friendship with Gillian, a staff member who stayed by my side. I became the only athlete who got to explore Tokyo as a tourist after the games. And yes, I learned enough Japanese (thanks to Google Translate) to ask for pain meds—chintsū-zai-yō!
This crash could have defined my Tokyo experience, but instead, I let it teach me. It reminded me of the power of resilience and perspective. Life will throw us challenges, but what matters is how we respond. Choosing to find the positives doesn’t erase the pain, but it transforms the story.
I’ve carried this mindset with me ever since. No matter how hard life gets, there’s always something good—however small—waiting to be found. It’s these moments of light that give us strength to keep going, to grow, and to create a life we’re proud of.
Life is simply too short to dwell in the negatives. Seek out the lessons, embrace the friendships, and hold tight to the moments that remind you of your strength. That’s where the magic lies.