Cyclist Benson Mwaniki has been ruled out of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, two days before the opening ceremony, after in emerged that he suffered a fractured shoulder and spine following a freak accident last week.
Mwaniki, who was the pilot of para-cyclist Kennedy Ogada requires a minimum of six weeks to recover from the injuries suffered when they were knocked down by a car on their way to training in Compiegne, France.
However, Ogada, who was not injured remains in high spirits, focused peddling to a podium finish if he gets another pilot in good time, despite the debacles.
“We were involved in an accident in Compiegne on our way to training and at first I was optimistic of competing in the Games by taking pain killers.
“But we realised the extent of my injuries when we arrived in Paris after further check up. I have a fracture on my right shoulder and another one on the lower spine,” said Mwaniki, adding that he feels very disappointed.
“We had trained well and had a strategy but now I will not be part of the competition. I console myself because my partner Ogada is in good shape and in right state of mind,” said Mwaniki, who fully support Ogada and I hope he gets another pilot to enable him achieve his dream.
Ogada said the accident was a slight set back but it will not deter his targets.
Ogada explained that it was a miracle for him to come out of the accident without a scratch, adding that the experience has made him stronger psychologically and more aggressive.
Team Kenya’s Chef de Mission Dennis Muga said the Kenya National Paralympics Committee (KNPC) had initiated a process to get Mwaniki’s replacement to pilot Ogada at the Games that officially begin on Wednesday.
Muga said that he is happy that Ogada was unscathed and that Mwaniki is out of any danger even though he requires time to recover.
“Mwaniki suffered slight bruises and was treated and discharged at a local hospital, but when we reached the Paralympics athletes village where there are excellent medical facilities, we noticed the exact extent of the injuries that automatically rule him out of the Games,” said Muga disclosing that the new pilot will have few days with Ogada to familiarise.
Ogada, who is visually impaired will compete in Tandem Road Racing B1 on September 4.
He added: “He has a fractured right shoulder and a small crack on the spine and since it requires a longer time to recover, we have decided to seek replacement for the pilot because the key athlete was not injured and he is in high spirits and don’t want to let this chance slip away.”