Posts
3834
Joined
3/27/2008
Location
Capistrano Beach, CA, USA
Edited Date/Time
1/27/2012 3:21am
Ricky James Accepted into 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship
- press release -
Oceanside, CA (August 21, 2008) –Ricky James, the 19-year old paraplegic from Murrieta, CA has been officially accepted to compete in the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championships this October 11th in Kona, HI.
Challenged Athletes Foundation’s (CAF) Ricky James will compete in the Handcycle class in the World’s toughest race which consists of a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride across the Hawaiian lava desert and a 26.2-mile marathon along the coasts of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Ricky was well on his way to fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a Supercross champion, when life took a drastic turn. Three years ago, at just 16 years old, he was injured in a Motocross accident on the track at one of the largest Amateur National races in the country. The blow to his T7 vertebrae left him paralyzed from his sternum down. Today at 19, he’s deftly navigating the new terrain of his life.
Since the accident, James has not slowed down. Besides riding Motocross again, Ricky has competed in the Baja 500, was recently awarded a Silver Medal in the Summer X Games and has his sites focused on a 4-wheel racing career. In his first year of racing, Ricky has taken 8 out of 9 pole positions, won 3 of 9 events so far and closely trails the lead points within the West Coast Pro Truck series.
“I’m excited and honored to have this opportunity…to show young people that suffer from any form of disability that, with perseverance, anything is achievable”, said James. “I appreciate all the hard work Bob Babbitt from CAF and Competitor Magazine has put into this, along with my trainer David Bailey.”
“Ricky has a gift and it’s easy to see…whatever he wants to do, he does”, says trainer, MX Icon and 2000 Ford Ironman World Champion David Bailey. “Whether it’s figuring out a way to ride his motorcycle, racing trucks or triathlons, he’s not scared. I have no doubt he will finish Ironman in his first attempt- and that’s saying a lot considering less than a year ago he had to learn all three disciplines from scratch!”
An account has been set-up for Ricky on CompetitionFriend.com for those who wish to support Ricky.
- press release -
Oceanside, CA (August 21, 2008) –Ricky James, the 19-year old paraplegic from Murrieta, CA has been officially accepted to compete in the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championships this October 11th in Kona, HI.
Challenged Athletes Foundation’s (CAF) Ricky James will compete in the Handcycle class in the World’s toughest race which consists of a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride across the Hawaiian lava desert and a 26.2-mile marathon along the coasts of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Ricky was well on his way to fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a Supercross champion, when life took a drastic turn. Three years ago, at just 16 years old, he was injured in a Motocross accident on the track at one of the largest Amateur National races in the country. The blow to his T7 vertebrae left him paralyzed from his sternum down. Today at 19, he’s deftly navigating the new terrain of his life.
Since the accident, James has not slowed down. Besides riding Motocross again, Ricky has competed in the Baja 500, was recently awarded a Silver Medal in the Summer X Games and has his sites focused on a 4-wheel racing career. In his first year of racing, Ricky has taken 8 out of 9 pole positions, won 3 of 9 events so far and closely trails the lead points within the West Coast Pro Truck series.
“I’m excited and honored to have this opportunity…to show young people that suffer from any form of disability that, with perseverance, anything is achievable”, said James. “I appreciate all the hard work Bob Babbitt from CAF and Competitor Magazine has put into this, along with my trainer David Bailey.”
“Ricky has a gift and it’s easy to see…whatever he wants to do, he does”, says trainer, MX Icon and 2000 Ford Ironman World Champion David Bailey. “Whether it’s figuring out a way to ride his motorcycle, racing trucks or triathlons, he’s not scared. I have no doubt he will finish Ironman in his first attempt- and that’s saying a lot considering less than a year ago he had to learn all three disciplines from scratch!”
An account has been set-up for Ricky on CompetitionFriend.com for those who wish to support Ricky.
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Respect - learn it.
**denotes pathetic name dropping wannabee insider guy who cant spell good
If you are going to give someone shit about their grammar at least get yours right.
112 miles on a hand cycle is unreal.
MR
The wetsuit helps his legs stay boyant and he uses some braces to hold his knees straight, other than that its all arms. The trickiest part is learning how to roll to the side to breath when you can't twist your hips, he has to roll his shoulder and use his hand under the water to twist to the side.
The swim should take about 1 hr 20min. depending on the amount of swells and how he deals with 1800 other people in the water.
The 112 handcycle ride should take 8 1/2 hrs depending on the wind and the 26 mile run/racing chair about 2 1/2 hrs.
His goal this year is to finish, quite a few don't make it. David said Ricky is looking really strong, can't wait to see how he does.
Ricky has done several 80 and 90 mile rides but not a century (100 miles) yet, he's doing one on Sunday (8/24) his 20th birthday.
By the way they only accept 5 handcyclists in the world to do this so it's quite an honor just be there.
824 Dad
Wetsuit will definitely help. Tell him good luck. I did mine in 2000, and now proudly wear this piece of jewelry......Ricky will need one when he finishes and he can get it Sunday on Alii Drive just down from the finish line.
http://www.bigislandjewelers.com/
MR
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