Hand-cyclist Brian Sheridan inspires by example on road to Rio Paralympic Games

Brian Sheridan is a hand-cyclist aiming for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He broke his neck and lost the use of his legs. Sheridan has three companies and a rehabilitation complex. At 40, he is 22 years removed from the spinal cord injury that relegated him to a wheel chair. He plans to make the most of the latest opportunity when he joins the U.S. Paralypic Cycling Team for Rio Games that run Sept. 14-20.

Brian Sheridan is a hand-cyclist who is going to the Rio Paralympic Games. He was paralyzed after a fall at Central Michigan University. Sheridan has been a standout athlete since 1993. He is now a gold medalist from the 2015 ParaPan-American Games in Toronto. His performance at the U.S. Olympic Trials earned him a spot on Team USA. The Rio Games are the pinnacle of adaptive sports. Brian's aim is to win the gold. "I have a very unique and privileged opportunity to go wear the Red, White and Blue and represent my country on one of the world's biggest stages."

Brian Sheridan is a hand-cyclist and a physical therapist. He is going to Rio Paralympic Games. His companies Fusion Medical and Level 11 Physical Therapy serve rehabilitative purposes. Recently he spoke to students at Bay City Handy Middle School about overcoming adversity and setting goals. The project director Jill Anderson describes him as a go-getter.

Sheridan gave a hand-cycle to Aidan Maratta, 9, who has no legs. Sheridan tries to encourage his patients to enjoy the world around them. He feels freedom, mobility and independence when riding a bike. He believes sports can ignite ambition in people. It helps them to realize success is still possible. "When you fall, you can still accomplish things if you get back up."

Brian Sheridan is a hand-cyclist preparing for the Paralympics in Rio. His wife, Ana, is from Rio and he has visited her family three times. They are expecting a son, who is due the day after Sheridan gets back from the Games. Sheridan has two daughters, Laken and Livia. He is focused on competing and then returning home.