Barry Wilcox's story is one of resilience, determination, and a triumphant return to his first love: cycling. Starting at just 13 years old, Barry discovered a passion for racing that quickly defined his teenage years. By the time he was 15, he had already achieved what many athletes only dream of—three national championships in the time trial and pursuit events. He was also a proud member of the United States Junior National Cycling Team, representing his country with immense pride. His path seemed clear, with a decade of plans laid out for a promising future in cycling.
But life, as it often does, threw a curveball. A car accident changed everything. Barry sustained a spinal cord injury, resulting in quadriplegia. In an instant, the world he knew and the plans he had crafted were no longer possible. Cycling, which had been the center of his universe, was no longer the priority. Instead, Barry turned his focus to regaining physical independence, finishing high school, earning a college degree, and building a career. His determination to stay active remained unwavering.
“I had to shift my priorities completely,” Barry reflects. “Cycling was everything to me, but after my injury, I had to focus on rebuilding my life, not just my athletic career.”
Barry embraced new activities to match his abilities, including hand biking, wheelchair rugby, and weightlifting. While he enjoyed occasional rides on his hand bike, the competitive racing he once thrived on seemed out of reach. Without a fair category to compete in, racing didn’t feel worth pursuing.
“There wasn’t a category that matched my ability,” Barry explains. “It was frustrating to be compared to athletes with significantly more function than me.”
In 2015, a chance encounter with a news article about a hand bike race in Europe changed everything. The article mentioned the creation of a racing category designed for athletes with similar levels of ability, and Barry’s competitive spirit reignited.
“This was HUGE!” Barry recalls. “I took all of three seconds to decide to jump right in. This was an opportunity to reach goals in paracycling that I lost out on in able-bodied cycling.”
With renewed purpose, Barry began competing again, now as a member of Team USA in paracycling. He has since traveled to six countries, competing nationally and internationally in the sport he loves. His proudest moment came in 2023 at the World Cycling Championships in Scotland, where he earned a bronze medal.
“One of my dreams as a teenager was to compete at the world championships,” he shares. “Well, I was able to make that happen.”
In 2019, Barry moved to Gilbert, Arizona, to teach at Park University and be closer to family. The East Valley’s canal system and Tucson’s renowned trails provide excellent environments for training, combined with the state’s favorable weather.
“Being in Arizona has been a game-changer for my training,” Barry says. “It’s the perfect place to prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Barry’s commitment to excellence goes beyond cycling. His journey highlights the importance of setting goals and maintaining the drive to see them through, no matter the challenges. By sharing his story, he hopes to inspire others to find their passions and pursue them, even when the path isn’t straightforward.
Through it all, Barry remains deeply connected to the values that have carried him through his journey: resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to achieve his goals. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration, not just for athletes, but for anyone facing life-altering challenges.
“Cycling was my life as a teen, but after my injury, I had to shift my priorities,” he reflects. “It took years, but finding my way back to racing has been incredibly rewarding.”
Barry’s achievements are more than personal victories—they are a testament to perseverance and the power of rediscovery. His ability to overcome obstacles and reclaim his passion for cycling demonstrates that even when life takes an unexpected turn, new paths to success and fulfillment can be found.
“It’s about setting goals, adapting, and pursuing what makes you feel alive,” Barry says. “For me, that’s cycling.”
As Barry continues to train and compete, his legacy grows, reminding us all that dreams don’t have to end—they can evolve. His relentless spirit exemplifies the idea that setbacks can become stepping stones and that passions can be rediscovered in ways more meaningful than ever imagined. Whether he’s training under Arizona’s sunny skies or representing Team USA on the world stage, Barry’s story continues to inspire.