Parish Wharf member wins Paracycling gold
World Championship win for William Bjegfelt in Glasgow
William Bjegfelt, a member of Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, has been embarking on a journey over the past few months to compete in the 2023 Paracycling World Championships. William has previously competed in various international competitions, including the Paracycling World Cup series, finishing 4th overall.
In 2015, William was involved in a head-on collision with a car. The collision left him with a shattered tibia and a bleed on the brain. Within four months of being told that he may never walk or cycle again he was back on his bike, and eight years later he has just competed in the 2023 Paracycling World Championships.
Before his accident, William always loved cycling and had competed in the mountain biking’s XCO World Cup series. He was determined to not let his accident stop him from doing what he loved. He has been using the facilities at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre to help him train towards the World Championships.
The facilities at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre offer a range of equipment suitable for all abilities. The leisure centre is all on one floor which makes it easily accessible for those relying on walking aids or wheelchairs. The gym has no steps or ramps, meaning all machines and equipment are readily accessible. Other accessible features include a hearing induction loop, disabled parking spaces and accessible changing areas.
William said "I am very grateful to Places Leisure for their support. The gym in Parish Wharf is kitted out amazingly well and has everything in it I need to continue to improve on the run up to hopefully Paris 2024."
On 9th-13th August, William travelled to Glasgow to compete in the Paracycling World Championships and was able to take home gold for Great Britain.
