Freddie De Los Santos

The Backstory:
Freddie De Los Santos lost his right leg above the knee serving in Afghanistan after being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, an RPG, in 2009. His recovery was long and trying, spending three years in the hospital and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. During his time in the hospital, De Los Santos met a member from Achilles International that got him into handcycling. His first ride was a three-hour marathon that not only left him exhausted but reinvigorate with what life could offer him. He has competed at four World Championships and made one Paralympic cycling appearance, with hopes continuing improving at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Away from cycling:
Before enlisting in the Army De Los Santos worked as a graphic designer and still enjoys expressing himself creative, whether that be graphic design or painting. He uses this creative medium to express his emotions and convey the experiences he had during his time enlisted that aren’t easy to speak about. De Los Santos also enjoys decompressing and spending time with his family.

In their own words:
“You learn that there’s no limits. When you bring God into your life and let God guide you, there’s nothing you can’t do.”

 “Everybody represents the country in different ways, some guys do it nationally, some guys do it internationally – as soldiers – and some people like to do it in other areas, like in a friendly way, which is sports, and I love it,”

“I want to continue serving. I just changed the mission into something different, so now I represent the country in para-cycling.”

Learn more:
Team USA Page
CAF Page
Team USA: “October a time of Celebration for Para Cyclist Freddie De Los Santos”
NBC News: “Inspired to Serve After 9/11, Latino Veteran and Para-Cyclist Proud to Represent U.S.”