Terry Byrne

Age: 39

Nationality: British 

Residence: Colchester, England

Background: Ex Parachute Regiment, Competitive Cycling, Mountaineering 

Bio: 

Terry Joined the Parachute Regiment at 18 and deployed to multiple conflicts before being injured in August 2008, sustaining a below the knee amputation of his right leg and damaged right hand leading to an amputated finger. He was the fastest ever amputee to be discharged at the time after just 6 weeks in rehab.
Since recovering from the blast Terry pressed on to achieve a position on the GB cycling team, picking up several World records, including winning the World Championship for team sprint.
In 2014 a need for a new challenge ignited a passion for mountaineering, Terry successfully summited Mont Blanc (4,810m) and Mont Elbrus (5,462 m) in Russia. He also went on to summit Gran Paradiso, Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mt Aconcagua (tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas) in South America.

What are your most prominent personal achievements? 

I guess picking up World gold and silver medals and several worlds records in Team sprint and Kilo cycling isn’t too bad after recovering from my injuries.
Summiting several high altitude mountains was also an ‘ally’ achievement especially the second tallest of the seven summits (Aconcagua).
I also boxed for the Parachute Regiment (2 & 3) whilst serving helping the team to win the Army Cup, a highlight of my time in the mil for sure.

Biggest fear or obstacle you have had to conquer? 

My biggest fear is failing which I guess is the same for most - however I’ve learnt that if want to achieve everything i want to, failing challenges will always be part of the process. Learning lessons the hard way is how we improve I guess.
I could have used my nerve damage from Everest as an excuse to stop or slow down but I’m still looking for another ‘ally’ challenge.

What are your main goals for the future?

Following a long injury after my Everest attempt I’m training to get back to full fitness. My main focus for this year is to solo cycle in the 2024 Tour Divide event. In June I’ll be cycling the length of Great Divide Mountain Bike Route unsupported, from Banff to New Mexico, 2,745 miles of ultra-endurance bike packing.

I’m also hoping to get back in the air, I’ve only skydived once since my injuries but would be mega to get back under canopy this year.

 [ @byrne2089 / www.adaptivegrandslam.com ]