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As I gear up for my upcoming international wheelchair racing season, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible opportunities that come with travelling the world as both an athlete and a wheelchair user.
This season, I’m fortunate to travel to destinations like Australia, the UAE, and Switzerland to compete, and each trip brings unique challenges and rewards. While preparing to navigate airports, accommodations, and accessibility in different countries, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I want to share, not just for athletes like me but for anyone travelling internationally as a wheelchair user.
1. Notify the Airline
Travelling as an athlete with a racing wheelchair requires specific considerations. Racing wheelchairs are large, fragile, and uniquely designed, so ensuring they arrive safely at your destination is a top priority. This starts with notifying the airline well in advance and checking their policies for oversized or specialised equipment. Packaging tools, spare parts, and protective covers are also essential to safeguard the chair during transit. But as any wheelchair user knows, managing personal mobility and ensuring your day-to-day wheelchair arrives intact is just as important, if not more so.
Featured Products
Spex Manta Back Support
Integrated shoulder-height support with built-in laterals. The Spex Manta Back Support is a shoulder-height back support designed to relieve pressure and provide trunk support; especially for users who benefit from tilt. Its solid shell features built-in lateral trunk supports that are width and height adjustable; creating a sleek all-in-one system with lateral stability; memory foam comfort and a breathable cover.
SleepShape Ring and Half Ring Positioning Cushions
Versatile positioning support for improved comfort in lying. The SleepShape Ring and Half Ring Positioning Cushions are designed to be used on their own or with other SleepShape supports to improve overall positioning in lying. They can provide targeted head and neck support independently;or be combined with cylindrical or Half Moon supports to assist with medial thigh support;protect the hips and help reduce pressure around bony prominences.
