Kenyan cyclist Benson Mwaniki has been ruled out of the Paris Paralympics just two days before the opening ceremony after suffering a fractured shoulder and spine in an accident last week.
Mwaniki, who serves as the pilot for para-cyclist Kennedy Ogada, will need at least six weeks to recover from the injuries he sustained when a car hit him while he was traveling to training in Compiegne, France.
Despite this setback, Ogada, who fortunately escaped injury, remains optimistic and determined to push for a podium finish—provided he can find a new pilot in time.
“We were involved in an accident in Compiegne on our way to training. Initially, I was hopeful of competing in the Games by relying on painkillers,” Mwaniki explained. “However, after further checkups upon our arrival in Paris, we discovered the full extent of my injuries—a fracture in my right shoulder and another in my lower spine. I am deeply disappointed.”
Mwaniki expressed his disappointment at missing the competition, adding, “We had trained well and had a solid strategy, but now I won’t be able to participate. My consolation is that Ogada is in great shape and the right state of mind. I fully support him and hope he can find another pilot to help him achieve his dream.”
Ogada described the incident as a minor setback but emphasized that it won’t deter him from pursuing his goals. He acknowledged that he was lucky to escape the collision unscathed, adding that the experience had strengthened his mental resilience and increased his determination.
Team Kenya’s Chef de Mission, Dennis Muga, confirmed that the Kenya National Paralympics Committee (KNPC) has initiated the process of finding Mwaniki’s replacement to pilot Ogada at the Games, which officially begin on Wednesday.
“Mwaniki suffered slight bruises and was treated and discharged at a local hospital. However, when we reached the Paralympics Athletes’ Village, where there are excellent medical facilities, the full extent of his injuries became clear, ruling him out of the Games,” Muga said. He added that the new pilot will have a few days to familiarize himself with Ogada.
Ogada, who has a visual impairment, is set to participate in Tandem Road Racing B1 on September 4.
Muga concluded, “Mwaniki has a fractured right shoulder and a minor crack on his spine. Given the time required for recovery, we’ve decided to seek a replacement for the pilot. The key athlete, Ogada, remains uninjured, in high spirits, and determined not to let this chance slip away.”
ALSO READ:Self proclaimed prophet issues second warning to Osimhen amid Napoli exit rumors
