Porirua’s US-based Paralympian Rory Mead, one of New Zealand’s most prominent hand cyclists, has carved out an accomplished international career in his craft, leading to his selection for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Raised in Porirua, the former motocross racer relocated Stateside in 2011 and impressed on the national GNCC series in the US before sustaining a spinal cord injury after striking a tree in a racing accident in 2014.
Adapting to his rapidly changing circumstances as a quadriplegic, the following year he sought a new sporting activity and landed on handcycling.
“It sounded like fun, so I borrowed a bike and went out for 5km,” says Rory. “It was terribly hard, but I fell in love with it there and then. I love that independence and sense of freedom riding a handcycle gave me.”
Based in the town of Athens, Ohio he made his competitive debut at the 2016 US Championships and two years later made his World Championships debut for New Zealand in Ostend, Belgium where he finished fourth in the Men’s H2 Time Trial.
“I was so excited to be able to wear the New Zealand kit,” he recalls of the experience. “I was already hooked but that first World Championships gave me the belief I could compete with the top guys.”
Boasting a good natural endurance from his days as a motocross rider and with a long-held passion for bikes stemming from his youth, Rory has continued to be a regular representative on the biggest stage.
He made his Paralympic debut in Tokyo 2020, finishing fifth in the Men’s H2 Time Trial and H1-2 Road Race. After taking time off with a shoulder injury, Rory made an impressive return in 2023 to take silver and bronze medals at the Huntsville World Cup before claiming fourth in the Men’s H2 Time Trial and fifth in the Men’s H2 Road Race at the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow.
Rory, who trains between 100-130 miles every week, has earned selection for his second Paralympic Games in Paris 2024. He will compete in both the Time Trial and Road Race events.
“I’m a stronger athlete now, and as far as my racing experiences goes a bit smarter,” explains Rory. “I’m very excited for the future because I know I can compete and get closer to the front.”
The Porirua athlete is still a passionate follower of the sport of motocross.