Achilles Athletes Reach Handcycle Podium in Houston and Conquer Disney in Florida

Written By Casey Bass

Achilles athletes kicked off the New Year at the Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Half Marathon, and We Are Houston 5K, by sweeping the handcycle divisions, earning multiple podium finishes. Several first-time competitors also made strong debuts, showcasing the depth and talent of the team.

Marathon – Handcycle Division

  • Jeff Chaffin – 1st place (men)

  • Roland Sanders – 2nd place (men, first-time competitor)

  • Wendy Larsen – 1st place (women)

  • Lindsey Schuler – 2nd place (women, first-time competitor)

Half Marathon – Handcycle Division (Women)

  • Carmen Lopez – 1st place

  • Chitra Viswanathan – 2nd place (first-time competitor)

The weekend began with a pre-race team lunch hosted by the local Achilles Houston chapter, led by Michaela Cueto, to welcome their teammates from out of town.

Meanwhile in Florida, 50 Achilles athletes competed in the Walt Disney® World Marathon Weekend events, including eight who completed the Dopey Challenge (a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon) over four consecutive days: 

  • Heather Cohen

  • Kristen Hicks

  • Rylan Long

  • Taylor Sophia Wyss

  • Bonnie Eng

  • Nadine McNeil

  • Justin O’Connell

  • Rachel Cooper

Race weekend in Orlando included a welcome dinner with over 100 athletes, guides, and supporters, as well as a performance of The Lion King and a private event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom hosted by The Cigna Group. Athletes were excited to share the course with David Cordani, Chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group, who ran alongside them and celebrated the continued partnership between Cigna and Achilles.

Casey Bass
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