Aaron's Ride to Paralympic Gold

Aaron Trent’s dream is to compete in the 2012 Paralympics, and that dream may soon be a reality.

In July 2009, all eyes were on the 23-year-old as he came around the last curve at the Paralympic Cycling National Championship, flying towards the finish line and crossing it with the best time to win the gold medal. Just a few years ago, this win would not have been possible.

When he was just six months old, Aaron had a stroke and developed cerebral palsy. As a result, Aaron's arm muscles became contracted and he could not straighten out his left arm.  After learning about Shriners Hospitals for Children, his parents brought him to the hospital in Greenville, SC, to see if they could help. The doctors there performed surgery to transfer some of the tendons in his arm, allowing for more flexibility and the ability to straighten his arm.

Aaron says before the surgery he could ride a bike, but now that he can straighten his arm, he has more control and can ride much better and faster. He trains 15 to 25 hours each week riding nearly 300 miles.

In early November, Aaron competed at the Paralympic Cycling World Championship in Manchester, England, bringing home a silver medal in the 1,000 meter time trial and a bronze medal in the 4,000 meter individual pursuit.

He hopes to compete in the 2012 Summer Paralympics.