Testimonial – GoHawkeye Foundation

By John Marquez

When i first got an email back from GoHawkeye about the equipment grant, i instantly was filled with joy. I have been thinking of using and owning a CarbonBike ever since my friends bragged to me about theirs. Being chosen for this grant gave me more than just a handcycle. It gave me the opportunity to become competitive in a sport that i have grown to love. It also reminded me that there are people out there who really care about helping athletes with disabilities reach their goals.

The CarbonBike itself has been a game changer. My old handcycle was heavy and didn’t fit me at all. It limited what I could do in training, but the CarbonBike feels like a totally different experience. The carbon frame is smooth and fast, and the gearing makes a huge difference when Iâ€™m climbing or holding speed on the flats. It just feels like the bike was built for the way I ride. Having the right equipment has taken a lot of frustration away and replaced it with excitement to get out and ride!

Since using the CarbonBike I’ve noticed big improvements in my speed and comfort. I can ride longer without feeling completely worn out, and I’ve been able to push harder in workouts without worrying about being able to pack my car back when i’m done. All my average speeds are faster and I already feel more confident going into races. Before this grant, I sometimes felt like my gear was holding me back, but now it feels like I finally have the tools to match the effort I’m putting in. I even was able to go over two miles per hour average faster with the same exact power.

Getting this grant has also changed the way I think about my future in the sport. It’s not just about having a faster handcycle. Itâ€™s about knowing that thereâ€™s support and belief behind me. That gives me extra motivation to train harder and keep aiming for bigger and bigger races. I feel like I can set goals that once felt too far away and actually go after them.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how far I can go with this handcycle. I want to keep improving, racing stronger, and showing what adaptive athletes are capable of. The GoHawkeye Equipment Grant has given me the chance to do that, and I’m really thankful for it. Every ride that i have done on it is a reminder of the support I’ve been given and the responsibility I have to make the most of it.

I can’t thank GoHawkeye enough for helping me get this handcycle. A CarbonBike is something Ive dreamed about for a long time, and now every time I see it, I’m reminded that you guys believed in me enough to make it happen. It’s more than just a handcycle, it’s a push forward in my life and in my sport. I’m truly grateful, and I’ll keep working hard to make the most out of this opportunity. I want to say thank you to everyone at GoHawkeye that believed in my journey, i won’t let you down!

Hello Team GoHawkeye!

Thanks to your grant, we were able to travel to US Para Swimming Nationals in Boise, ID!

Here is an update after the extremely successful meet! Exactly 3 months post-spinal surgery, Ryan had one of the best swim meets of his life!

I’ll give a brief update, but Ryan has provided one himself (attached).

Ryan achieved 2 new US Paralympic Trials cuts in the 100 FR and 200 IM (his 3rd Trials cut overall, adding to the 400 FR).

And now, Ryan can officially call himself a National Champion, winning GOLD in the 4×100 medley relay. He swam the freestyle leg as the anchor and easily held off his closest competitors.

On top of that, he earned 6 new PRs over the course of the meet, resulting 2 individual bronze medals in the 50 FLY and 100 BR, won against all other classifications and ages, based off of the world para points calculations. (His first US Para individual medals!)

And lastly, he thrived in the community of para swimmers. Ryan reconnected with old friends and made some new friends too!

Thank you for all of your support, Ryan could not be more proud to be part of Team GoHawkeye!

Please see Ryan’s note and some pictures attached.

🙂

Ryan and family (Erin, Scott, and sister Eleanor)

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Dear GoHawkeye,

I wanted to send you on update on what your grant has allowed me to achieve. I have been able to race twice internationally with the best of the best women in paratriathlon. I raced in Calima, Colombia in June and then Magog, Canada in July. Both races, I walked away with the silver medal. My success would not have been possible without your guys’ support. Here are a few pictures of my successes!

Thank you!

Danielle Cummings

Letter to Hawkeye from grant recipient Amber Justice

Dear Michael,

I’m thrilled to announce that my hand cycle is finally complete, and I picked it up on June 25. My first ride was truly unforgettable, as I took my three-year-old’s balance bike along, and we rode together. It was a beautiful experience, and the joy on my face was unmatched.

Subsequent rides around my neighborhood have helped me get used to the bike’s handling. On my first ride down the street, one of the neighborhood girls was so astonished that her jaw dropped. Soon enough, a group of curious kids gathered around, fascinated by how the bike worked as they rode alongside me.

Since getting the bike, I’ve been diligently working on improving my endurance. Last weekend, I participated in an eight-mile ride in Park City, Utah. Initially, I was concerned about completing the distance, but thanks to the pedal assist on my hand cycle, I managed to finish the ride easily and even felt capable of going another eight miles.

Although I had planned to ride alone, circumstances changed, and my wife was able to join me by renting an e-bike. By the end of the ride, we decided to find a way to get her an e-bike and a wagon to pull behind, which would allow us to take our entire family out for rides. Never did I imagine that I would be able to spend such meaningful time with my wife and daughters in this way.

Attached are a few pictures of the bike and myself. I hope this letter finds you well and thank you again for all of your support.

Regards,

Amber Justice