Danger, tactics, and technical ability are three things that are far more prevalent in cycling than in the sport of running. Since I started my cycling career I have broken more bones, and lost more skin, than I care to think about, and barring major medical advancements, I doubt I am going to age well — I’m writing this story with a hand that suffered three fractures just a few weeks ago. However, coming into cycling I did have two major advantages; A massive aerobic capacity built from my years as a runner, and the tools and coping mechanisms that I developed over the years of having my dreams crushed as a runner.  Being constantly injured, and trying to comeback, taught me a lot of valuable lessons. As a cyclist I no longer associate my value as a person with a number on a results sheet, and this allows me to just enjoy the process of racing my bike and learning the sport.  So, despite my numerous crashes and getting screwed over by a sketchy team or two, each year I progressed, and with the help of my wife, friends, family, and a great coach, I began to find my skills as a cyclist matching up with my aerobic capacity.  Now, at 29, I find myself having achieved those blatantly ignorant goals that I had set.  I currently ride for the World Tour (cycling’s NHL equivalent) team Cannondale Pro Cycling, and I have been selected to represent Canada at the Rio Olympics. Getting the email from Cycling Canada confirming that I had made the Rio squad was a surreal moment, and one that I am still coming to terms with. This was something I set out to do 20 years ago as I watched Donovan Bailey and the men's 4x100-metre team win gold in Atlanta. That dream of mine has raged at times and has also burned like the final flickers of a flame at the end of a matchstick, but somehow it has persevered.  I know I have been incredibly lucky over these past four years. I have had a lot of people believe in me when logic said they should not have. I have also worked my ass off and suffered a bunch. But one thing I have learned from both my athletic careers — and that I was reminded of weeks ago when I broke my hand: it can all end in a moment.  At least, if it does, I can safely say that I have outdone my 18-year-old self. Now, the rest is gravy.  (Large photos courtesy Mike Woods and Graham Watson)
Cycling reward for not giving up after several foot fractures ended promising running career - CBC Sports Player's Own Voice