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Tom Wheeler's Adaptive Biking Tech Helps Disabled Riders Return to Sport

BBC Sport •
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After a crash left him with major nerve damage, mountain biker Tom Wheeler designed adaptive technology that has reignited his passion for cycling and inspired a global movement. His brace creation quickly attracted international attention, with Wheeler noting the immediate demand: 'This stuff doesn't exist.'

Former Wales Para-athlete Morgan Jones adopted Wheeler's innovation during lockdown, using a custom hand attachment that integrates with his prosthetic. 'This has transformed my riding,' Jones said, adding that he now feels confident enough to keep up with peers. His recent fourth-place finish in the T47 100m track sprint at the 2018 Commonwealth Games preceded this mountain biking breakthrough.

Wheeler, who has relied on his invention for 15 years since the accident, reflects on the transformation. 'I still have to pinch myself. I can do stuff now I never thought would be possible,' he said.

His work has turned a personal setback into a lifeline for disabled cyclists worldwide, proving that innovation born from adversity can reshape entire communities.