Brandon Lyons, who became paralyzed from the chest down after a tragic accident in 2014, is set to fulfill his dream of competing in the 2024 Paris Paralympics as part of the Hand Cycling team.
Hailing from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Lyons faced immense challenges following his injury but remained determined to pursue an active and fulfilling life. He never expected that his recovery journey would lead him to the prestigious world of Paralympic athletics.
Reflecting on his journey, Lyons remarked, “I never imagined that I would be here today, especially given the journey that I was on.” Prior to the accident, he hadn’t aspired to competitive sports, but the circumstances of his life changed dramatically after diving into shallow water, which resulted in a broken T5/T6 vertebra and paralysis.
Doctors initially gave him just a 1% chance of walking again, but instead of succumbing to despair, he saw this as a challenge. “I tried to use this injury as a way to prove all of the doubters wrong,” he said, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset in his recovery.
During his rehabilitation, Lyons discovered hand cycling and was gifted his first hand cycle by his family, which became a key part of his newfound independence and competitive spirit. His love for the sport grew as he began training, and just five months after starting, he participated in his first hand cycling marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.
After relocating to California for clinical stem cell treatments, Lyons met mentor David Bailey, a former professional motocross racer who had also experienced life-altering injuries. Inspired by Bailey’s tenacity, Lyons pursued elite training, leading him to apply for the U.S. Paralympic Cycling team’s residency program in Colorado. He was accepted and quickly found success on the international stage.
Despite the setbacks, including a bout with sepsis that stalled his Olympic aspirations for the Tokyo 2020 Games, Lyons remained focused. “If I could overcome [my injury], I could overcome anything,” he stated. After navigating through five qualifying competitions for the Paralympic team, Lyons secured his spot for the 2024 Paris Paralympics in a tense final race.
The moment he learned he had qualified brought an overwhelming flood of emotions. “Looking back at where I started and the journey to get here, all the emotions hit me all at once,” he reflected.
Lyons expresses deep gratitude for the support from his family and community, recognizing the sacrifices made by loved ones during his recovery. He is eager for the opportunity to represent not only his family but also the Central Pennsylvania community, which has rallied behind his story.
As he prepares for the upcoming games, Lyons hopes to inspire others facing adversity. His message is clear: never give up. “One day or day one,” he advises, encouraging others to take proactive steps toward their goals.