Shifting Into Gear.
Peter Graham '13 had a great summer in the cycling world. Riding all our northwestern corner hills this past spring helped him tremendously.He not only won the Bahamas Junior National Championships for both the road race and the time trial, but was also selected to the team representing the Bahamas at the Caribbean Junior Cycling Championships held in Puerto Rico in this past August.
Despite a crash on a training ride that left him with a hairline fracture in his hand, he was able to compete and placed 17th overall. Not bad for his first international UCI sanctioned race. He is already looking forward to next year in Trinidad and Tobago. The Bahamas team has also been invited to race and train in Cuba at the UCI training center there and will compete in a number of races in the Caribbean and Florida.
Cycling Coach Chris Fisher recently shared his thoughts "Peter is an exciting addition to Salisbury's cycling club. His motivation, passion, and work ethic, last year, ultimately propelled him to victory this past summer at the Junior National Championships of the Bahamas. Peter embodies the characteristics we strive to instill in all the members of the cycling club."
Catching up with Peter and we got some thoughts on cycling and his experience at Salisbury.
My greatest personal athletic achievement is...
"Can I pick two? Perhaps helping Indian Mountain School win against the Canaan Steamrollers in the last few seconds of the game with a safety. And definitely winning both the road and time trial races for a double Bahamas junior national cycling championship this summer."
My favorite thing about my sport is...
"I can always find new ways to challenge myself. It is not only an individual sport, but also a team sport. And I love the feeling of flying on a bike. It was great meeting and competing against other riders at theCaribbean Championships in August and I'm hoping to be selected to go again next year. Next? Commonwealth Games and the Olympics in 2016! "
I began cycling...
"...several years ago, but decided to play football. After getting way too many concussions, I went back to cycling earlier this year."
Tell us about deciding on a college...
"I'm looking to do naval architecture and marine engineering in college so that really narrows down my choices. I'm also interested in alternative energy and oceanography. I'm just starting my college research, butdefinitely want to continue cycling wherever I go."
Extra-curricular activities?
"I'm big on fishing and boating. Being from the Bahamas, I can do this year round. And this winter and spring I will be at The Island School where boating and fishing will add an environmentally responsible aspect to things. I'm looking forward to that."
My academic achievements at Salisbury include...
"I think that is still in the future!"
When I first came to Salisbury...
"I wasn't too sure about the all-guy thing and it took me a while getting to know people. This year I'm really glad to be at Salisbury."
Anything else you wish to comment on?
"Go Knights!"