Before the Kentucky derby, jockeys, horses, and trainers walk pass the stables, over to the rear entrance of the racetrack where they anxiously anticipate the thrilling, full-out mile-and-a-quarter gallop. Chair athlete, Ricardo Aranda, feels that anticipation before each race, mentally preparing himself to go as hard as he can. 

“Let me be the first to tell you that I can be extremely formal and serious looking (before competing).” 

Aranda discovered the world of road racing when he attended The Kyle Pease Foundation’s Camp Wheel Away in 2014. To Ricardo, the feeling of racing is absolutely incredible.

“I was recruited into the sport after attending a weekend camp put on by The Kyle Pease Foundation, in conjunction with Camp Twin Lakes.”

Typically, Aranda plans his racing schedule ahead of time before the start of the upcoming season to make sure that his races do not conflict with his parents work schedules. Then, Ricardo meticulously coordinates racing strategies with a KPF volunteer runner to gear up for his next endeavor. 

Aranda’s first race was The Atlanta Publix 5k where foot racers and wheelchair racers alike get a taste of the Atlanta racing scene. “After that race,” says Ricardo. “I have never looked back.”

Among the estimated 40 races he has completed, Aranda’s impressive past performances not only include Atlanta-based Publix Half Marathon and The AJC Peachtree Road Race, but also the world-renowned New York City Marathon.

Ricardo trains by running laps in his power wheelchair to get his body conditioned to  sitting in one spot for hours. “That way, my body is already used to it,” he explains. 

Before the dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases, he would also attend practice runs organized by KPF as part of his training.

Throughout his life, Aranda has been active in sports whether it be endurance racing or wheelchair sports. A player on the Johns Creek-based wheelchair sports team, The Titans, this well-rounded athlete cross-trains by playing wheelchair handball, basketball and football. 

“I've been involved in sports for as long as I can remember,” Ricardo says. He credits his adaptive P.E. Teacher for igniting the competitive flame that has grown into a passion. “Thanks to her, the feeling that I have when I race and play handball with my team is exactly the same.” And, that feeling is freedom.

Interview written by Kevin Enners