SCI Superstar: Trish Downing

The first female disabled athlete to compete in an Ironman triathlon, meet Trish Downing, a lifelong athlete who transformed into a top-tier adapted athlete post-injury. Now a self-described endurance athlete, Trish has not been afraid to push herself in the face of paraplegia.

Also going on to found an all female disability sports camp, become a published author AND a motivational speaker all after her accident, the last thing Trish wanted to do was sit at home and forget about her once physically active life. She has taken her life by the reins in a big way, and it shows.

For a taste of the sweet Colorado life and how she was able to achieve it, this is the story of Trish Downing.

Why she’s fearless

It was 2001 when Trish’ entire life changed. She grew up loving sports, starting out in gymnastics and eventually getting into cycling as an adult. She loved how she could excel in this new sport; feeling competitive was what she loves and still loves to do.

But one morning in 2001 when she was 31 years old out on a morning bike ride with a friend, enjoying being in the best shape for life, she was hit from behind by a car that didn’t see her, throwing her in the air and breaking her back when she landed, becoming a paraplegic. Devastated, Trish didn’t know how she could still be who she was – an athlete.

Fortunately since she lives in Colorado, she was sent to the renowned Craig Hospital for her rehabilitation, and it was here where she was introduced to cycling through a recreational therapist, and the rest as they say is history. Trish took to the sport right away, and was planning the marathons she was going to participate in even before leaving the hospital.

The first marathons she competed in was the Kona Half marathon and the Long Beach Marathon, both in 2001. The following year she was in the Chicago Marathon, and between 2002 – 2006 she was in dozens of marathons around the world.

And in 2006, Trish made history. She became the first woman with paralysis to compete in an Ironman triathlon; swimming for a 2.4 miles, handcycling for 112 miles and pushing her chair again for another 26.2 miles. She also won her first marathon this year, the Salt Lake City Marathon, and the following year she won the Twin Cities Marathon.

What’s next?

In 2010, Trish added published author to resume, having her memoirs published. Titled Cycle of Hope, Trish’s autobiography spans her life since her injury showing people it’s still possible to achieve greatness in the face of such seemingly difficult hardship. Not wanting to inspire people for simply getting out of bed, she wants to inspire people to believe they can transform themselves just like she did. Also a motivational speaker with the message “redefining able,” Trish has found her true voice since her injury.

And in 2011, Trish discovered another sport, adapted paddling, and has become obsessed with that too. One of the highlights of her athletic career however was when she received the “Most Inspirational Athlete” award from the Challenged Athletes Foundation in 2006.

An amazing example of reinventing yourself in the face of adversity, Trish shows we can do anything if we set our minds to it. Also founding a sports camp for women with disabilities called Camp Discovery (that happens each August in Colorado), she truly is unstoppable.

Have adapted sports helped you find yourself?

– Visit her official site: TrishDowning.com

Watch the videos!

– Channel 2 News Story on Trish Downing

– Tricia Downing 2010 Kappa Book & Author Dinner

– Para-Triathlete Trish Downing