MORE TO ACCOMPLISH.

Fourteen years ago, a Canadian woman called with questions about Terry products and shared with me her captivating story. After a 2001 mountain biking accident in Vermont left her in a six-week coma with right-side paralysis, followed by eight months of rehab learning to walk and talk, she discovered a new passion in para-cycling, a true testament to her love of sports.

When I wrote about Shelley in 2016, she was heading to the Paralympic games in Rio and had already earned 12 world championships. Today, she proudly displays a bronze medal from the Rio games and 18 World Championships—unmatched by anyone in her sport.

She rides and races a beautiful custom tricycle with a Terry Damselfly saddle https://www.terrybicycles.com/saddles; her right side is supported by arm and leg braces adorned with the Canadian Maple Leaf, and she still loves to ride for her country.

Her most recent honors include being the 2023 flag bearer for Team Canada at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, and this week, Illuminating Niagara Falls to mark the 50-day countdown to the Paralympics Paris.

Last month, I had the chance to meet Shelley in person, and I asked if retirement was on the horizon. At 55, she said not yet; I have more to accomplish! This launched a wonderful conversation about her future. When Shelley retires from racing, she would love to work with us to support athletes with disabilities in leading healthy and active lifestyles through adaptive cycling activities by providing hands-on support.

Shelley’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. Her smile brightens everyone’s day, and we are thrilled to call her our friend. I look forward to continuing to cover this successful, courageous, and motivated woman.