TJ Sherwin – CrossFitter, Cyclist & Paralympic Hopeful!
TJ Sherwin is a gifted athlete who began to lose his vision and hearing at the age of two. He has competed in running races from 5k’s to Tough Mudders but has now set his sights on the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Because TJ is legally blind and cannot obtain a drivers license he uses his bicycle to ride to the bike shop, around town and to Albany CrossFit where he trains. Cycling is one part of TJ’s independence that he hopes will lead him to new opportunity and success.
TJ has discovered Paralympic cycling for athletes with physical disabilities and has set a goal of making the US Paralympics Cycling Team. Visually impaired athletes must compete with a sighted guide and race on a tandem bike. TJ is fortunate to be training with Chris Brower as his sighted guide.
Christopher Brower is an accomplished athlete and professional in the outdoor sports and education fields. Chris was a Division II track and field collegiate athlete who specialized in the hurdling events. He has been a cycling enthusiast for nearly 20 years and worked in education for just as long. Chris is an AASI Adaptive Level 1 snowboard instructor and employee at the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Windham, NY.
To accomplish their goals, TJ and Chris need to purchase a racing tandem bicycle as soon as possible to train and compete in the visually impaired category of Paralympic cycling. Riding a tandem will allow the pair to train safely and more effectively as they begin competing at the next level. An entry level tandem costs more than $3,000. The equipment needed to race at the international level is substantially more expensive. The wheels alone will cost almost as much as the entry level tandem.
With your help TJ and Chris will be attending a national Talent Identification Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.
Thank you for reading and for any support you can provide, no act of kindness is insignificant. We appreciate every encouraging word and every penny of support.