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Men’s wheelchair winner bounces back from biking injury

BY GARY KINGSTON, VANCOUVER SUNAPRIL 19, 2009

Wheelchair winner Kelly Smith at the 25th annual Vancouver Sun Run returns to the winning form he had demonstrated frequently in 2006 and earlier.

Photograph by: Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun

Kelly Smith owned the men’s wheelchair division of the Vancouver Sun Run for years before basically retiring after 2006.

So when the 2004 Paralympic silver medallist in the marathon and a damn-the-paralysis thrill-seeker rolled down Pacific Boulevard and became the first person to break the tape on Sunday in the 25th annual staging of the 10K race, you just knew there had to be a good story there somewhere.

“Ahh, it’s just about having fun again, going back to the roots of why I enjoy the sport so much,” said the 44-year-old Langley resident. “It’s not about making any big comeback.”

Hmmm? Nothing compelling there.

Then, he threw out this little carrot: “I needed a year off . . . and then I injured myself. Last year was just a total barbecue year for me.”

Injured?

“Oh yeah, that’s a whole story on it’s own,” he says with a big grin.

Now we’re talking.

Spirit of Kamloops Scarf

presented by Mayor Peter Milobar

Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar presents Kelly with a brightly coloured Kamloops Spirit Scarf in commemoration of his contribution to sport in BC. The Kamloops Spirit Scarf is high quality, locally made scarf that represents the creativity, warmth, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Kamloops people. The colours used in the scarf are those found within the Tournament Capital of Canada logo which mirrors Kamloops achievements for sporting excellence. Smith is one of six individuals to receive the spirit Scarf.

Kamloops Spirit Scarf