Wheelchair athlete preps for road race

Michael Olsen

The adjustment to going virtual .

This self-motivated local athlete, who is a road race regular, prepares for this socially- distanced event.

Pkg:michael olsen has been in a wheelchair since september 11, 2007.

Mike olsen: i fell during construction.

I was building an exterior wall fell through the stairwell frame of the wall so kind of did what you call a scorpion landed on my back and shoulders and being 6 foot two i broke my lower back.

Instantly knew i was paralyzed but instantly was ready for the challenge and was ready to overcome it.

Nine years ago, olsen began wheelchair racing.

Starting with the boilermaker that is now virtual this year.

That's when his passion ignited.

On sunday he will participate in the new balance falmouth road race at-home and without his favorite traditions.

Mike olsen: definitely the pre-race traders and stuff like that everybody getting together race day is definitely totally different than any other day.

All of those wheelchair racers we get together and it's a great support group.

We got up very early, bus ride to the race i will definitely miss that's always fun.

The non-competitive event began on august 15 and will conclude on august 29.

It will feature about 50 wheelchair athletes coverin 7 miles in their own neighborhoods.

This race holds a special place in his heart.

Mike olsen: one of my fellow races herman gerry built my courage up to travel and cape cod, falmouth was my first travel destination.

That was my first raise so if you came special for me.

The waterville native says racing is an escape for him.

An athletic kid growing up, he stays active playing wheelchair basketball and mono skiing.

His motivation comes from within.

Mike olsen: if you asked me back when i broke my back if this is where i would be today i never would've guessed it because i take every day as a new day wheelchair racing is extremely competitive and each year not only am i out racing other competitors i am racing myself.

Tomorrow's race will be streamed on facebook live t 10 a- m on the falmouth road race page.

It's been nine years since