Credits to Kevin Wong, training at Javelin |
For Kevin Wong, he'll throw back a strong fighting attitude and own that piece of feat.
One of Singapore Disability Sports Council's prominent athlete, Kevin is a professional motorcycle mechanic by day at Race Werks Motorsports, and trains hard in Archery by night for Team Singapore that takes part in the annual Asean Para Games.
Kevin setting up for his Archery training |
Kevin working on Race Werks KTM RC390 |
It was a quiet weekday where I was privileged to spend some time with Kevin, learning about his very own story.
Tall, well built and masculine, I felt a little intimidated when I first caught a glimpse of Kevin when I walked into Race Werks.
"Hiiii, Kevin?"
He looked up at me with a warm smile and instantly, I didn't feel that intimidated anymore.
"Hi Vaune" he said, as he took his eyes off the KTM RC390 engine he was working on for a while, and we begin to.. talk about bikes. Haha that's what bikers talk about first, isn't it?
Barely only a few minutes into our conversation, I could already sense his noticeable passion for bikes. I grabbed a stool and sat next to him as he continued to work on the engine. Though seemingly a little reserved at the start, he gradually opened up.
Kevin's Kawasaki 636 |
Cruising along the North South Highway, with nothing but the winds and sound of their roaring engines, Kevin was enjoying every moment on his Kawasaki Ninja 636.
Until the unexpected happened.
Credits to amgico |
Another biker had his throttle on full, coming up from the back at a speed faster than you'd ever imagine. It was dark at night and by the time he noticed Kevin, it was too late. He smashed right into Kevin's rear, sending him flying forward.
Credits to tribuneindia |
Blood was everywhere.
The enormous impact caused Kevin's right leg to detach on the spot, as they found it almost 100 metres away from where he laid, unconscious.
Credits to daildosemd |
Life onwards?
Needless to say, it was tougher than any ordinary human would know.
Furthermore, for Kevin who loved sports so much, to lose a leg was.. like not living at all.
Sadly, Depression often leads to suicide.
It was a deadly cycle that Kevin was fighting to get out of for years.
It's easy to say life goes on, it's another to live it.
Handsome lehh |
With the unconditional love and support from Kevin's family, he pulled himself out of Depression and decided to do so much more in life than he ever did before his accident.
I'm totally not jealous at all?
Kevin jokes a lot, greeting people with a big smile. It was hard to imagine this man who always has this sparkle in his eye, was once so caught up in depression.
Credits to Kevin Wong |
Not only does he excel in his day job, Team Singapore is proud to have him as an outstanding national athlete in Archery.
Credits to Kevin Wong, his glorious wins! |
And I'm thankful he has made time for me! Even allowing me to follow him to where he and his team mates train at Queensway stadium.
Kevin and his archery team |
That alone, is inspiring.
I quietly watched Kevin train..
And tried to mimick but erm, quite fail. I didn't even have the strength to pull the string all the way. Hahaha #Itried.
Once a biker, always a biker.
It is always inspiring to see how Passion, Courage, Perseverance and Determination ignite Life in a person all over again and again.
Kevin is one of the athletes of the Singapore Disability Sports Council whom which I will be raising funds and awareness for with my upcoming long ride #BeyondEverest. You may donate directly to them here.
Set that target, soar towards it and fearlessly achieve it because no one or anything can take that drive away from you. Don't hold yourself back from whatever that makes you feel alive.