Wheelchair Record Breaker

By Kathy Santini, Nanaimo Daily Free Press (August 11, 1992).

He was always competitive.

Nine years ago, Doug Wight was racing motocross when his motorcycle landed on his back after he went over the handlebars.

His back broken, facing the rest of his life in a wheelchair as a paraplegic, his motocross career was over.

But that didn't stop the 28-year old from staying in the fast lane.

Doug Wight began racing wheelchairs in marathons and this year, was introduced to hand-powered cycles by Georgi Georgiev, of Gabriola Island, who makes the cycles.

After a mere six months of training, Mr. Wight set three world records in the vehicle at the International Human Powered Vehicle Competition in Yreka, California August 5 to 9.

The competitor set world records in the 200-metre flying start category with a speed of 30.75 miles per hour, besting the previous time of 26.5.

He set a record again in the 25-mile time trial in 1 hour, 18 minutes and 5 seconds, averaging 19.3 miles per hour.

And he waxed the competition in a standing start in the one-quarter mile drag race.

Mr. Wight began using the hand-powered cycle as a cross trainer for his wheelchair events but is now so hooked that he'll be competing in both wheelchair marathons and hand-powered events.

The cycle - with its two wheels in front, one in back and low reclining seat with the pedals an arms-distance away - has opened up a new world for Mr. Wight.

"For the disabled, it can expand their recreational opportunities," he said.

Collier Dam, previously all but inaccessible for someone in a wheelchair, is now a familiar haunt for the three-wheeler.

"It's the best thing since sliced bread."

The self-employed bookkeeper's next venture is the October 4 national Wheelchair Marathon Championships in Toronto.