Have you ever suffered a hard fall in life? It can be hard to get up again.
But remember this: Just because you fall down doesn't mean that you have to stay down!
That is certainly true of cyclist David Magloire. He fell during a severe cycling accident but recovered and got back on the bike with God's help.
David's story reminds me of Proverbs 24:16 which says in part:
For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again…"
If you are currently ''down in the dumps'' about your health habits, I pray that David's story will encourage you to get up again and pursue good health in God's strength, day-by-day!
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- Tell us about your background. What motivated you to start cycling?
In my early years living in Trinidad, my friends and I enjoyed soccer, cricket, basketball, swimming and bike riding. After High School, I emigrated to the U.S. to further my education.
I continued playing soccer in an amateur league, but during one of our games, I tore my left Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). I then decided to select a sport that would help my recovery. Cycling was my choice.
I began riding consistently, doing benefit and group rides. When I was fully recovered, I began doing triathlons and duathlons races. My strongest and best results were on the bike.
At my place of employment, I was introduced to Christian Kaefer, a professional cyclist who invited me to his races and to train with him. He's now an associate pastor in New Jersey.
I saw how disciplined and good he was on the bike. This motivated me to train harder, develop a proper diet and incorporate recovery/rest.
My competitive instinct led me to enter my first cycling race.
2. What achievements do you feel the most satisfaction about from racing?
For me, riding a race where you use your experience and fitness to assist your teammates to good results is most satisfying.
My biggest and best result was 3rd place in the Team pursuit at the U.S.A Cycling Masters National Championship.
It shocks many people to learn that cycling is a team sport. You’re using 30% less energy when you’re in the slipstream of another rider (drafting). Bike racing requires you to be alert and know where your teammates are.
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.''
- 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NKJV)
The body of Christ is a team. The body is not supported by one person, but by all of us.
We are strongest working together in unity. Teamwork is the key to living life in harmony so that we can do God’s will.
3. What obstacles have you had to overcome to rise to excellence in your sport?
If it’s too cold, hot, raining and uncomfortable outdoors, I still get on my bike and train. I don’t quit, but just keep pedaling and finish without fear.
When I’m sitting in comfort, I’m aware that my competitors are out there training.
If there are obstacles preventing me from achieving my goal, I maximize my strengths (patience, experience, and the sprint) to overcome the obstacles.
The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
- Psalm 27:1 (NKJV)
4. I understand you had a severe accident cycling. Tell us about the accident, your recovery from that setback, and the mindset you had to develop to get back on the bike.
In April of 2019 I had a severe crash on a group training ride.
I sustained broken ribs, broken clavicle, fractured vertebrae and a concussion.
My wife Jeneil was at my side at the hospital and prayed for me. The doctors were amazed because I indicated that I was not in pain. It was God covering me.
After running tests and examinations they sent me home to heal and recover.
After two weeks I began riding my trainer indoors. I was on my bike outdoors in 3 weeks. I’m just passionate about the sport.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You."
- Isaiah 26: 3 (NKJV)
5. What role does your faith in Jesus play in helping you endure and finish well in your race?
Jesus Christ is always with me. When I’m racing, and begin to suffer, I can call on Jesus Christ to cover my pain. God tells me, “I got you!”
God lets me know when to start, when to endure discomfort, enjoy the comfort, and when to stop. In Christ, finishing well is giving my very best to my teammates and myself.
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
- Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)
About David Magloire
David is an avid cyclist and is associated with the East Point Georgia Track Club. Their velodrome is located in East Point, GA with excellent racing and youth programs. You can learn more here: https://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/
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