Overcoming Barriers: From Paralysis to Paralympic Hopeful

Originally published at out-spiration.com.

Becky Piper, like most outdoor enthusiasts, found joy in nature and a love for competition in ultra-marathons; what she refers to as glorified hiking mixed with running. Originally from Wisconsin, Becky and her husband moved to Guam when he was deployed there for active-duty. This was seven years ago. Piper had just finished the Xterra Guam, an extreme off-road triathlon, and had qualified for the world championships. A short month later, she was fighting for her life after becoming a victim of home invasion. But paralysis of her right side did not stop her. Rather, Becky has overcome barriers and become a triathlon coach and a 2024 Paralympic cycling hopeful.

Becky after competing in a race

Answering the Door Gone Wrong

Becky Piper was home alone while her husband and roommates were working when she heard a knock on the door. Becky, in her bubbly and cheerful persona, answered the door to find three large men with a gun. After beating her and leaving her on the brink of death, they pushed their way in and invaded her home. Piper’s husband and roommates came home to find her and called emergency services. The beating caused severe bleeding in her brain and, according to the doctors, was about an hour away from death when she was found. Piper was placed in a medically-induced coma for three days. When she woke up, she received news that she was paralyzed on the right side of her body and would probably remain that way for the rest of her life.

A Journey to Healing and Getting Back Outside

Persistence and dedication; those are the two words Becky uses to explain how she recovered from this traumatic incident. When asked what steps were taken to get moving again, Piper said her first step was a forward-thinking process; “When I was told I might not be able to walk again, the first thing I said was, ‘That’s okay, there is Paralympics for a reason.” She accepted that this was her situation and was determined to figure out how she was going to work with what she had left.

“When I was told I might not be able to walk again, the first thing I said was, ‘That’s okay, there is Paralympics for a reason.”
Becky and her husband

Becky made very specific goals for herself. Her first goal was to walk half a mile on the solid sidewalk outside her apartment complex because it held less tripping hazards. She gradually increased her goals and after a year, she began running again. When she was able to walk on more uneven terrain Piper started hiking, leaning on her husband’s support when foot placement became tricky. Consistently setting little goals and meeting little milestones ultimately helped her complete a Half Ironman.

She largely gives credit to her brace, the Allard BlueROCKER, for helping her get back up. This brace supported her immensely and helped her become a full-time Community Outreach Facilitator for it. She has encountered a condition called ‘Foot Drop’ due to the paralysis on her right side. This lightweight, dynamic response brace helps by lifting her foot up and has become the reason she can walk, hike, and cycle again.

A Different Outdoor Experience

Becky used to love competing in ultra-marathons. She really loves being competitive and nature plays well into this. These marathons calm down her Type A personality but her traumatic injuries made her participation almost impossible due to time constraints placed on many of the races. Instead, she found a different way to experience nature and feed her competitive spirit: cycling. 

Prior to her injuries, Piper had participated in one road race. A friend of hers who has been to the Paralympics suggested that she should try cycling, which has now become her favorite sport. She competes with a bicycle that is adapted entirely for her left side. This type of bike has all of the brakes, shifting, and gears accessible on the left side. She explains, “My right hand just holds on for dear life. It can’t support me but my right shoulder can support me a little bit.” With these adaptations, Becky has taken her outdoor experiences and turned them into a career and passion. 

Now, as an endurance, triathlon, paratriathlon, and cycling coach, there seems to be nothing Piper cannot do. Living vicariously through her athletes is just another way she experiences nature; “My first priority in coaching is helping my athletes to find joy in nature and competing.” Not only is she a coach, but she is working tirelessly to reach her goal of going to the 2024 Paralympics for cycling. 

Becky on her bike

Becky’s Advice for Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Becky is a force to be reckoned with and her motivation is inspiring. She is always trying to better herself whether it is with her outdoor experiences, helping her athletes improve, or increasing her own physical ability. She does not let her different ability stop her from reaching her goals. 

“Take a moment, step back, and just enjoy it. Appreciate what you’re given and live everyday like it is your last.”

When asked if she had any advice for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts, she said she wants everyone to remember to enjoy the life they have been given. She states, “Take a moment, step back, and just enjoy it. Appreciate what you’re given and live everyday like it is your last.” 

Thank you Becky, for showing us what hard work, a good attitude, and true perseverance looks like. You are an inspiration to us all!

If you find Becky’s journey inspiring and want to learn more, or if you are interested in training for endurance & cycling races, you can contact her at becky@teamMPI.com.