Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Griffis | Army Spc. Tim Patterson, retired, a Phoenix, Ariz. native, trains for the adaptive...... read more read more
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - In life, everyday adversity seeks us out in order to thwart our plans. Most people try to avoid it to make life easier. Tim Patterson is not one of those people. He seeks out adversity to shape his own identity.
Patterson knows adversity well. A vehicle accident left him paralyzed 31 years ago while he was stationed in Europe as an Army satellite communications specialist.
“I come from a big family and we are all really competitive and that really keeps me going,” said Patterson. “I am a competitor. I have been all of my life.”
Before his injury he often competed with his brothers and sisters in basketball. He soon realized that his competitive lifestyle could only be realized by following alternative means.
“When I first got injured, I sat on the couch and didn’t want to get involved in athletics and sports, because you get embarrassed a little bit,” said Patterson.
Patterson didn’t actively search for ways to maintain his competitive spirit. Upon the advice of friends, he slowly began trying new sports. Adaptive cycling, which is a biking sport that has been modified for people with disabilities, soon became his calling.
He will be competing in this event at the 2012 Warrior Games for the first time. Patterson said he found out about the Warrior Games while searching for cycling sponsorships and competitions on the Internet, but it wasn’t the main reason he wanted to participate.
“It’s not just about injuries,” said Patterson. “It’s about the service members who aren’t with us anymore. We are doing it for the guys who can’t be here.”
He said it is an honor to be selected to compete in the Warrior Games this year and to be part of the Army team. His daily regiment of getting up early to train, proper nutrition, and good sleep contribute to his athletic condition.
“You really have to take care of yourself to train to be an athlete at this level, because there are a lot of studs out here,” said Patterson.
Patterson considers many peoples’ opinion of what defines an athlete to be inaccurate.
“I don’t know why you have to be on your feet to be an athlete,” said Patterson. “I know I’m an athlete. There are a lot of people who can’t do what I can do. A lot of people on upright bikes can’t keep up with me.”
He is driven by a belief that goals are there for the taking. Patterson, who married five years ago, also attributes his wife and family as his inspiration.
“I have a great wife and a great family too,” said Patterson. “My wife sees me train and getting up at 4:30 in the morning and it makes her want to compete.”
The former soldier has advice for other wounded service members wanting to compete.
“It’s not going to come knocking on your door,” said Patterson. “It’s a tough world out there and they aren’t going to come pull you off the couch.”
Patterson, who has completed several marathons, including the Los Angeles Marathon and Rides Across America, said this competition is different from anything he has competed in before.
“It’s just so competitive,” said Patterson. “I have knots in my stomach.”
He remains positive about the Warrior Games and defines winning as a state of being instead of a conclusion.
“I just hope I can win this one too,” said Patterson. “I am going to just lay it all out there and give it 110 percent.”
Realizing he is part of a team of competitors, he appreciates the importance of teamwork and fellowship, where the teammates can rely on each other for strength and guidance.
“I am proud of these guys,” said Patterson. “We have become a pretty good family and a pretty strong team, but talk is cheap - we fill find out when the gun goes off.”
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2012 19:53 |
| Story ID: | 87501 |
| Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Hometown: | PHOENIX, AZ, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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