As a child Davian Robinson (‘DJ’) began to lose his eyesight due to a condition called ROP. Seven years ago he came to Bridge II Sports and was introduced to tandem cycling-a sport specifically for blind athletes…and he hasn’t stop riding since. In five years of competitive cycling, DJ has transformed into an elite athlete earning numerous medals but none sweeter than his first national title at the US Paralympic Track Cycling Championships December 3, 2017 in Colorado Springs, CO.
DJ and his ‘pilot’ Kyle Knott, both from North Carolina, marked a 1:06.40 in the B1 kilometer tandem time trial 4 seconds faster than 2nd place and clocking in around 34 miles per hour in their two laps around the velodrome.
After the victory DJ commented “It feels amazing. It’s been five years too long. I started when I was 19 and I’m 25 now so it’s an amazing accomplishment on a long journey ahead. It’s a blessing. I wouldn’t be here without my family, supporters – and number one, God – and Kyle. Without Kyle steering the bike and being here for me as support…it’s just been amazing. All I can just say is ‘wow.’ The sky is the limit from here.”
DJ is an extremely determined and goal driven young man both in life and in sport. He currently attends UNC-Charlotte maintaining a 3.5 GPA working toward a degree in Exercise Science and Dance where he is breaking barriers and perceptions of disability.
His cycling focus now is set squarely on competing at the 2020 Paralympic Games. US Olympic and Paralympic athletes are responsible for raising their own competition funding. On top of his studies and training DJ manages his cycling team, Team Tandemonium, and takes on the monumental task of securing funding to live out his dream of representing his country on the international stage.
Learn more about DJ at www.bridge2sports.org/support
