He glows : Tom Davis

COMMUNITY FOCUS | HE glo ws COMMUNITY FOCUS | HE glo ws he glows

TOM DAVIS

By Stacie Ball | Photo provided

Motivated by the slogan, “Don’t quit before the miracle,” Paralympic athlete Tom Davis has certainly lived his share of miracles. After waiting an entire year because of Covid-19, Davis finally competed at Fuji International Speedway for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. He recently returned home with a 5th place finish and an experience of a lifetime.

“My motto has been, ‘Faith, family, and going fast,’” Davis explained. “When I stick to that, I am almost always successful. It’s when I let the lines blur that things usually go awry.”

Formerly a downhearted businessman, he turned to alcohol in response to life’s challenges. After getting his second DUI, he allowed Jesus to make some considerable changes in his life, including joining the army and starting a family. “The smartest thing I ever did was ask my wife to marry me,” Davis marveled. He and his wife, Jamie, have been married 17 years and have four children. “She has stuck beside me through the good and the bad,” he beamed. “She has been my angel.”

In 2006, while serving in Iraq, Davis was severely injured. He suffered a broken back, arms, right knee, fractured skull, and lost his leg above the knee. Using a handcycle for physical therapy encouraged him to race and train for the Paralympics. He experienced many challenges, such as crashing in crucial races, broken ribs, and carpal tunnel. Jesus, his wife, and his love for cycling helped him press on nonstop for ten years, ultimately qualifying for the Paralympics in 2016 and 2020.

Fuji Motor Speedway, just outside of Tokyo, was filled with breathtaking views but presented some difficulties. “They were by far the most challenging races I’ve ever done,” Davis said, referring to the rain, darkness, and fog that decreased his visibility to less than 100 meters. He was able to persevere, completing the race and improving upon his 2016 performance in Rio.

Davis plans to take some time off from cycling to allow his mind and body to heal and make up missed time with family. Then, he will decide whether or not to tackle Paris in 2024. Whatever his choice, he is an inspiration to athletes and nonathletes alike. a