TRICIA DOWNING - HAWN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
In one instant, on September 17, 2000, Tricia Downing went from being a competitive cyclist to a paraplegic in a wheelchair. Her life was changed forever but Tricia’s competitive spirit and zest for life continued. Through her experiences in both rehab and racing, Tricia has overcome adversity and learned what it takes to perform at the top of her game.
Having made the transition from able-bodied cyclist to an athlete with a disability, Tricia knows the true meaning of the words challenge and change, and she has learned a wealth of
lessons to deal with the obstacles we all face in reaching for our personal goals.
Tricia has completed over 50 triathlons from sprint to Iron distance. She was the first female paraplegic to complete an Ironman triathon. She also competes in road racing and
duathlon. Her latest accomplishments include qualifying for the 2010 Duathlon World Championships and the 2010 Hawaii Ironman World Championships. She is the 2009 Duathlon World Champion in her division.
Tricia’s life has been immersed in sports as she earned a master’s degree in Sport Management in 1995 and worked at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. She was the press officer for the US table tennis team at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and for the US
swim team at the 1997 World University Games in Italy. Before becoming a
professional speaker, she taught high school in the Denver Public Schools. Today she takes people on their journeys from start to victory, motivating each to reach his or her own finish line. Receiving many accolades including the Inspiration (’03) and Triathlon (’05) Awards from the Sportswomen of Colorado, the 2006 Most Inspirational Athlete from the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the 2008 Courage Award from the Tempe Sports Authority, Tricia has truly excelled despite her life-altering injury.
Tricia has master’s degrees in
Disability Studies and Sports Management and she is the Director for Camp Discovery, a camp for women in wheelchairs who want to explore fitness opportunities as well as
create a support system of other women who have experienced mobility disorders/disabilities.
In addition, she has published her memoir: Cycle of Hope—A Journey from Paralysis to Possibility, released in June of 2010.
Tricia is a former Harry Hahn scholarship winner and she will sign copies of her book at the Patron Party and following our program.
Trisha will also appear on 9news' Colorado & Company program on Tuesday, September 14. Click the C&C link to find out more about this show.
