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Paralympic Gold and World Champion – the remarkable story of Kate Brim
[0:00 - 4:37] Introduction
[6:00 - 17:04] Early Life and
Introduction to Adaptive Sports
Kate discusses her upbringing in Michigan after being
adopted from Ukraine.
She emphasizes her parents' support in encouraging her to try new things despite challenges.
Kate talks about her active childhood, participating in
sports like rowing, and the importance of community.
She recounts the December 2017 incident that led to her
spinal cord injury during a routine surgery.
Kate describes her initial despair after the surgery and the
turning point when a dietitian at Mary Free bed Rehabilitation Hospital inspired her.
She explains her introduction to adaptive sports,
specifically wheelchair rugby and hand cycling, and the feeling of freedom hand cycling provided.
[17:25 - 25:47] Embracing Hand
Cycling and Discovering Her Talent
Zen shares his personal connection to Kate's story,
revealing his lower back pain and upcoming surgery, and expresses admiration for Kate's resilience.
Kate acknowledges the fragility of life and the unexpected
turns it can take.
She describes her transition from recreational hand cycling to
competitive racing, starting with local events and progressing to national
championships.
[26:03 - 37:12] Overcoming Obstacles
and Achieving Paralympic Success
Kate reveals the challenges she faced with a cracked bike
frame leading up to the Paralympic trials.
She describes the last-minute repair, the concerns expressed
about its safety, and the pressure to find a permanent solution.
Kate recounts the emotional moment of receiving the call
confirming her selection for the Paralympic team while dealing with the bike
frame issue and a subsequent kidney infection.
She attributes her Paralympic success to the unwavering
support she received from her team and emphasizes the importance of teamwork in
individual sports.17
[37:47 - 48:10] Life with Diabetes
and the Power of Technology
Kate explains the three hand cycling events at the
Paralympic Games: individual time trial, road race, and team relay, providing
insights into their format and strategies.18
She expresses pride in winning the bronze medal in the team
relay despite challenges.19
Kate describes the surreal experience of winning the gold
medal in the individual time trial.
She recounts her type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 2021,
initially dismissing the symptoms as fatigue.
Kate details the challenges of managing diabetes,
particularly the constant need for monitoring and adjustments.
She emphasizes the importance of proactive diabetes
management, especially in the context of her athletic pursuits.
Kate highlights the significant advancements in diabetes
technology, specifically insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, and how
they have empowered her to push her limits.
[48:30 - 61:01] Training Regimen,
World Championships, and Reflecting on Zurich
Kate outlines her weekly training regimen, which includes
six days of cycling, strength and conditioning work, and a focus on nutrition.
She contrasts the intensity of her training during the
racing season with the current focus on enjoying the bike and exploring.
Kate shares her experience at the World Championships in
Zurich, Switzerland, describing the beautiful scenery and the integration of
para-cycling with able-bodied events.
She recounts winning gold in the time trial and road race,
highlighting the last-minute bike adjustment that made her nervous.
Kate discusses the team relay event, the unpredictable
nature of the race, and the team's satisfaction with their performance despite
placing sixth.
She explains the unique braking system on her handbike,
using a single disc brake on the front wheel activated by her elbow.
Kate reveals the high speeds she reaches on her bike,
averaging 18-20 mph with top speeds exceeding 50 mph, and the challenges of
navigating narrow European roads during races.
View all episodes
By Team Novo Nordisk[0:00 - 4:37] Introduction
[6:00 - 17:04] Early Life and
Introduction to Adaptive Sports
Kate discusses her upbringing in Michigan after being
adopted from Ukraine.
She emphasizes her parents' support in encouraging her to try new things despite challenges.
Kate talks about her active childhood, participating in
sports like rowing, and the importance of community.
She recounts the December 2017 incident that led to her
spinal cord injury during a routine surgery.
Kate describes her initial despair after the surgery and the
turning point when a dietitian at Mary Free bed Rehabilitation Hospital inspired her.
She explains her introduction to adaptive sports,
specifically wheelchair rugby and hand cycling, and the feeling of freedom hand cycling provided.
[17:25 - 25:47] Embracing Hand
Cycling and Discovering Her Talent
Zen shares his personal connection to Kate's story,
revealing his lower back pain and upcoming surgery, and expresses admiration for Kate's resilience.
Kate acknowledges the fragility of life and the unexpected
turns it can take.
She describes her transition from recreational hand cycling to
competitive racing, starting with local events and progressing to national
championships.
[26:03 - 37:12] Overcoming Obstacles
and Achieving Paralympic Success
Kate reveals the challenges she faced with a cracked bike
frame leading up to the Paralympic trials.
She describes the last-minute repair, the concerns expressed
about its safety, and the pressure to find a permanent solution.
Kate recounts the emotional moment of receiving the call
confirming her selection for the Paralympic team while dealing with the bike
frame issue and a subsequent kidney infection.
She attributes her Paralympic success to the unwavering
support she received from her team and emphasizes the importance of teamwork in
individual sports.17
[37:47 - 48:10] Life with Diabetes
and the Power of Technology
Kate explains the three hand cycling events at the
Paralympic Games: individual time trial, road race, and team relay, providing
insights into their format and strategies.18
She expresses pride in winning the bronze medal in the team
relay despite challenges.19
Kate describes the surreal experience of winning the gold
medal in the individual time trial.
She recounts her type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 2021,
initially dismissing the symptoms as fatigue.
Kate details the challenges of managing diabetes,
particularly the constant need for monitoring and adjustments.
She emphasizes the importance of proactive diabetes
management, especially in the context of her athletic pursuits.
Kate highlights the significant advancements in diabetes
technology, specifically insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, and how
they have empowered her to push her limits.
[48:30 - 61:01] Training Regimen,
World Championships, and Reflecting on Zurich
Kate outlines her weekly training regimen, which includes
six days of cycling, strength and conditioning work, and a focus on nutrition.
She contrasts the intensity of her training during the
racing season with the current focus on enjoying the bike and exploring.
Kate shares her experience at the World Championships in
Zurich, Switzerland, describing the beautiful scenery and the integration of
para-cycling with able-bodied events.
She recounts winning gold in the time trial and road race,
highlighting the last-minute bike adjustment that made her nervous.
Kate discusses the team relay event, the unpredictable
nature of the race, and the team's satisfaction with their performance despite
placing sixth.
She explains the unique braking system on her handbike,
using a single disc brake on the front wheel activated by her elbow.
Kate reveals the high speeds she reaches on her bike,
averaging 18-20 mph with top speeds exceeding 50 mph, and the challenges of
navigating narrow European roads during races.