Allison Jones

The Backstory:
Jones was born without her right femur and had surgery early on to amputate her leg above the knee, which made it easier for her to wear prostheses. She first started skiing and cycling when she was five years old, but at age 14 she started cycling competitively. Jones loved each sport equally and competed in her first Paralympic Games just four years later at the 2002 Winter Games in alpine skiing. She has gone on to rack up quite the record, competing in mix of cycling or skiing in the 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016 Games. Throughout her eight Paralympic games Jones has taken home eight total medals, two gold, three silver and 3 bronze. She is a formidable and experienced competitor, and one to keep an eye on in the upcoming Tokyo Games.

Away from cycling:
Jones competing skill is not the only thing she has going for her, as she is also quite skilled at the engineering behind prosthetics. She won the pioneer award from the University of Denver, where she earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering. She has used her knowledge and passion for cycling to improve her own gear as well as some of her teammates. Jones enjoys her engineering work, but also likes to get outside whether that’s through kayaking, hiking, rock climbing or camping, she does it all.

In their own words:
“In 1998 the Para cycling world championships were in Colorado Springs. I lived a stone’s throw away. My mum brought me down to the races. I told her, ‘this is what I want to do’. I learned to ride a track bike before I learned to ride a road bike.”

“Even on one leg, I could go anywhere on the mountain I wanted to go. There were no limitations. With cycling I found that same freedom. It may have taken me a little longer, but I could definitely ride anywhere I wanted to ride.”

Learn more:
Team USA Page
IPC Page
SportTechie: “U.S. Paralympic Cyclist Allison Jones is an Engineer who Helped Teammate Reach Rio”
Springs Mag: “Allison Jones: Local Paralympian finds Freedom in Competition”