Brandon Lyons, who was left paralyzed from the chest down following a tragic accident in 2014, is now set to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics as a hand cyclist. Hailing from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Lyons’ journey of recovery has transformed into an unexpected athletic pursuit.
Lyons was injured when he dove into shallow water, resulting in a broken T5/T6 vertebrae. After doctors stated he had only a 1% chance of walking again, Lyons channeled his determination into challenges rather than giving up. “I had a 1% chance, and that’s what I was gonna hold on to,” he recounted, emphasizing his refusal to let his injury dictate his future.
During his rehabilitation, Lyons discovered hand cycling, a sport that offered him both independence and a competitive outlet. With the help of family fundraising, he received his first hand cycle upon leaving the hospital. This newfound passion fueled his ambition to push boundaries. “I could do this,” he said, recalling how he transitioned from struggling to ride to completing 20-mile loops around City Island.
Previously dreaming of running a marathon, Lyons found that hand cycling could help him achieve that goal. Less than six months after his accident, he participated in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC, as his first competition. “I thought that those times of my life were over,” he admitted.
Relocating to California, Lyons sought clinical stem cell treatments and, upon meeting mentor David Bailey, a former professional motocross racer who was also paralyzed, his athletic journey intensified. Under Bailey’s guidance, Lyons began training for elite competitions, which eventually led him to join the U.S. Paralympic Cycling team’s residency program.
Despite a setback due to an unexpected battle with sepsis that hindered his training, Lyons rebounded, demonstrating his resilience. He completed five competition trials, culminating in a critical final race where he secured a place on the 2024 Paris Hand Cycling Paralympics team.
Reflecting on his qualification, Lyons expressed a surge of emotions as he recalled his challenging journey, emphasizing gratitude toward his supporters, especially his family. “It didn’t only affect my life, it affected their lives,” he acknowledged, noting their sacrifices throughout his recovery.
As he prepares for Paris, Lyons is excited to compete on a grand stage and represent his family and community. “I’m very proud that I’m able to represent them,” he said, highlighting the support he received from Central Pennsylvania.
Through his journey, Brandon Lyons stands as an inspiration for those facing adversity, encapsulating the message of perseverance: “Don’t give up.” He advises others to transform aspirations from “one day” into “day one” and take action now, a mindset that has been pivotal in his recovery and success.