Alwyn Uys will never back down from a challenge, in fact it is what inspires him to ride. He has certainly been challenged in life, however his determination has happily carried him through life's challenges.

Alwyn grew up on the East Coast of South Africa. He dreamt of making a career in sport, specifically rugby, but at age 21, his first set of challenges came as he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. This diagnosis resulted in a life-changing operation that deemed him unable to play sports again. Alwyn remained determined and ran out onto the rugby pitch once more. During the match, he tore his bicep, shoulder, and pectoral muscles, which ended his rugby career. Alwyn soon faced another challenge as he was involved in a tragic motor vehicle accident that left him paralysed from the chest down.

Despite his challenges, Alwyn has accomplished some incredible feats. He recalls completing a full Ironman as one of his most memorable achievements. Alwyn is the first South African paraplegic to complete a full Ironman. This achievement is extra special to Alwyn as he completed the race in the same place he was injured. His accident was eight years prior near PE. 

Alwyn is a multi-talented man. When he is not public speaking, training, or running his small business, you can likely find him tending to his garden. Alwyn has a veggie garden and a collection of succulents, memorabilia from places he has travelled to. He is an outdoorsman and enjoys the more adventurous things in life, like camping, fishing trips, 4x4 driving, and heading to the mountains.

Achievements 

• First Paraplegic in RSA to complete a Half & Full Ironman
• First Paraplegic in the world to do the Robben Island Crossing
• Gold Medalist, Para-Triathlon, 2020
• 2 x Gold Medalist, Para-Cycling, 2019