Local Cyclist Featured on CNN

The cyclist who refuses to complain

Joe Berenyi's right arm was amputated after a workplace accident in 1994, forcing him to quit his construction job. He started cycling in 2007, and went on to win gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Despite his success, cycling isn't very lucrative, so his wife supports their family. They've always been able to pay the rent and take care of their three daughters, but they forgo almost all luxuries.

Only his eldest daughter has a cellphone and there aren't any trips to Walt Disney World.

"I'm not gonna cry because I'm doing what I love," he said. "Competing has taken away the negative light of my disability and given me more confidence in life."

Berenyi, 47, gets a $1,000 monthly stipend from US Paralympic Cycling, but he doesn't have major endorsements and refuses to crowd fund.

But like Muhammad, he's very fortunate to have a benefactor -- his local bike shop -- which pays for nearly all of his cycling needs, including repairs and equipment. The shop has saved him thousands. Without its help, Berenyi said, he'd "have a real struggle." The bike shop even raised money to send his family to London.

Berenyi notes that Paralympians get paid less for winning a medal than Olympians do -- $5,000 versus $25,000.

"We're just as elite," Berenyi said. "I'm not complaining, but I don't know how you put a difference on it."

Full Article: http://money.cnn.com/2016/07/07/news/olympics-rio-us-athletes-finan...

His local bike shop is Prairie Path Cycles, main sponsor of the Winfield Criterium this weekend.