Greg Ball

totally spoked is rightfully proud to be assisting a local rider, Greg Ball, as he continues to push the envelope for disabled athletes the World over.

Greg suffers a debilitating case of Transverse Myelitis - an inflammation of the spinal cord that leads to permanent damage - and this affects his left leg badly. He hasn't let this affect his love for cycling though and he really started to commit himself to the sport in the mid-1990's on both the road and track.

His impact on the racing scene was immediate and his rise through the ranks no less dramatic, with Greg being selected for the 1998 World Championships, winning 2 Gold medals in the 1km Time Trial (setting a new World Record along the way!) and the Team Sprint and a further 2 Bronze medals in the 4km Individual Pursuit and Road Race.

He carried this form through to the European Championships in 1999 where he won another 2 Gold medals in the 1km Time Trial and in the Team Sprint .

2000 was a massive year for athletes throughout the Globe with the Sydney Olympics taking place and Greg's great form culminated in being selected for the Paralympics. In yet another major test against the World's best, Greg showed his fighting spirit and real ability to take the Gold medal in the Team Sprint so was understandably delighted with his own performance.

In 2001, his Country recognised his commitment, talent and efforts when they awarded him the Order Of Australia Medal which is a great honour to have bestowed on you.

Greg continued his progres and went to the World Championships in 2002 where again, he showed his true class to take away 2 Gold medals in the 1km Time Trial and also the Team Sprint

2004 saw the next Olympics in Athens and again, Greg's hard work and determination saw him boarding the plane to represent his Country against the World's best and, yet again, Greg did not disappoint. He came away with another 2 Gold medals in the 1km Time Trial and the Team Sprint and also smashed his own 1km Time Trial World Record in the process!!

Greg continues to train very hard and also fits in full-time employment too so totally spoked felt that the least we could do was help Greg out with his endeavours so have stepped in to assist. We have supplied Greg with a new Leggera full carbon race bike that will help him as he prepares for his next competition. In August 2007, Greg continued to display his amazing talent and ability with another win at the World Championships in France plus we continued to assist him as he prepared for the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing whereby he won yet more medals, this time a Bronze. Upon his return, he was granted the Freedom of the City of Ipswich in recognition of his efforts. Also worthy of note is that his long-time coach and friend of ts Jimmy MacDonald was also bestowed the same honour.