Community Corner

Paralympian Follows His Dream and Earns Medals in the 2012 Paralympics

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This story was written by Natalie Stevens

Joe Berenyi is not your average Joe.
The Oswego cyclist had been racing competively for just about one year when in 1994 he lost his right arm and left kneecap in a construction accident. 
But that hurdle didn't stop Berenyi from doing what he loved and pursuing his dream of cycling. Instead, it opened a new door when he got involved in the Paralympics and qualified to make the national team in 2011. 
In 2012 he participated in five events in the London Paralympics and took home three medals: gold in the individual 3km pursuit, silver in individual time trial and bronze in the mixed C1 to 5 team sprint.
“He can do more than some can with two arms,” said Berenyi’s mother-in-law, Kay Kimes. “He can do anything.”
Now that the 2012 Paralympics are over, Bereyni is still keeping very busy, with a Paralympic race scheduled over Fourth of July weekend in Madison, championships in Canada in August and this Monday he's traveling to Italy for another competition.

"Joe doesn’t think about being an inspiration," said his wife Jill Bereyni. "But everyone else sees it that way."

Q. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve taken on? 
A:  Making it to the Paralympics. I had to set that goal to naturally get there. I went from recreational riding to competive and then had dedicate to take the time and the mindset. Had the ultimtate goal and had short, small steps to get up there.

Q. What inspired you to take this challenge?
A:  That’s a tough one. I think it’s any young kid's dream watching the Olympics growing up to do that. I had the opportunity to try and I wanted to show that I could do it.

Q. Did you succeed? 
A: Yes. I think I did. The top-top was making it to the Paralympics. To medal or even get gold was a great personal achievement. But it was a great to have our kids [three daughters] with us. To see them and be able to share that moment with them.

Read more about Joe Berenyi in an original story on the Oswego Patch as well as his surprise homecoming from the Paralympics.

This post is published throughout the Chicago-area Patch network.


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