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In a small Western Kenyan Village
was a young man dertermined to improve the quality of his
life. Ibrahim lost part of his right leg in a car accident when
he was just a young boy. Rather than live a life restricted to his
home, Ibrahim fought stereotypes to live a life as active as everyone
around him. This included learning how to ride a bicycle with just
one leg. He knew that riding a bike would allow him to travel distances
he couldn't easily reach with his crutch.
Ibrahim had no money for a new bike. He took an old and
rusted bike frame from his mothers property slowly over time bought the parts
needed to built it into a functioning bicycle. The finished product lacked brakes
but was enough to get started.
As a young man eager to achieve independance
and equality in the eyes of his peers, he set out to learn one pedal
stroke at a time. Neighbors scoffed at the idea. He was told to
be content in a wheel chair. Ibrahim ignored the non believers and
accomplished his goal. Riding a bike helped him find work outside
of his village and proved to potential employers that he was an
independent and capable man.
Witnessing his first bicycle race inspired in
him a passion to reach for more. He never for a second doubted his
ability. After training for months, he entered his first race among
130 able bodied competitors and finished within the top 20. The
feat catipulted him into national recognition. He became a symbol
of triumphant perserverance against incredible odds in a nation
of people struggling against the harshest conditions.
Ibrahim never set out
to become a national celebrity. He wasn't thinking to gain fame
or riches as a competitive athlete. He didn't think
that racing a bicycle would eventually bring him to the U.S. He
simply set out to achieve one goal at a time through belief, hard
work and faith. Ibrahim's story his filled with triumphant moments
and heart breaking set backs. Ibrahim has never given up and has
never lost his faith. He believes he has a responsibility to both
inspire and represent physically challanged people in his home country
and the world over. He won't stop riding his bicycle until he accomplishes
everything possible through cycling. He along ways away from that
small village but he's far from finished. He is a man with a vision
and a man with a plan. He's got more goals that he believes's he'll
acheive.
Ibrahim’s Journey
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