Spirit in Motion:  Mackenzie Woodring Pilots Tandem Bike Partner Karissa Whitsell on Their Quest for Gold at 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing

When Mackenzie Woodring’s legs are tired and she feels as if she can pedal no more, she needs only to look over her shoulder at her tandem bike partner to find the inspiration to press on.  In addition to competing with the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team, Mackenzie has trained to serve as the new “pilot” for Karissa Whitsell, an acclaimed visually impaired cyclist with two gold medals, a silver and a bronze to her name from the 2004 Paralympics.  Now it is Mackenzie’s privilege to steer, brake and supply half the power as the duo represents the USA at the Beijing 2008 Summer Paralympic Games. They will compete in four events: 1- and 3-kilometer races on an indoor track, a 24-kilometer time trial, and a hilly road race of about 80 miles.  In a sport where downhill speeds can reach 50mph and the crush of fellow competitors can be mighty close, both athletes will rely on trust and teamwork to embody the Paralympics motto - Spirit in Motion.

The sponsors of the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams salute Mackenzie, Karissa, and the 4,000 world-class athletes from 136 countries giving their all at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing which begin on September 6th and continue through September 17th.  Visit the Paralympic Games website for more information and results.