As nearly 29 million people worldwide tune in to watch the best athletes of the 200 member countries, we at the Coalition wanted to catch up with our own Paralympic bronze medalist and combat wounded Marine Corps hero, Rob Jones.
Rob Jones. The everyday hometown hero that went to Afghanistan to serve his country; he came home a bilateral above the knee amputee as the result of an IED explosion. He decided that the loss of his legs wasn’t the loss of his life and his survival inspired him to become an amazing adaptive athlete. Rob’s bronze medal in Paralympic rowing (mixed double sculls) came only 2 years after he was critically wounded. Rob’s partner has an amazing story herself.
Oksana Masters a young women who was adopted from the Ukraine by a single mom at the age of 7. She became a double amputee as a result of deadly radiation from the horrific 1986 Chernobyl disaster that caused severe birth defects; she has strived to live life to the fullest, not letting her disability define her. She’s an internationally decorated athlete in cycling, rowing and skiing. Her performance earned Oksana the 2012 US. Rowing’s ‘Woman of the Year.’
When asked about what the training looks like reach the Olympic competitive level, Rob says “its four years full of sacrifice.” Athletes begin an intense 4 year training regimen that causes them to miss weddings, vacations, personal relationships and sums it up by saying “You might lose friends but that’s what it takes, you have to put the Olympics first.” The training depends on the athlete and the sport but generally includes aerobic, anaerobic and eventually (just prior to competing) peeking. This is overexerting oneself to push your fitness level as high as possible. This training takes place 6 to 7 days a week and is around 25 hours per week, what a demanding job!
We asked Rob what it felt like to make it to the medal stand.
“You’ve got all the stresses leading up to competing” Rob says. “You’re representing your country, everyone who supports you and the culmination of all your training but when you make it to the medal stand, you get to relax and be care free.”
Rob what and who are you watching for in the Rio games?
“I’m watching the rowing because of experience and understanding of the sport but whatever’s on, I like it all. All things American!”
In conclusion Rob was asked if there are any surprises for him in the 2016 Rio games. Rob says there were a few tennis upsets he didn’t expect but really he loves what he’s seeing.
A notable quote from a true American hero Rob says “American women have more freedoms than most other countries in the world and that shows because they’re really kicking ass this year!” We don’t disagree and are proud of our American athletes this year, as America leads with 67 current medals, 26 of which are gold!
Rob’s next quest would challenge even the world’s toughest Iron Man. They only swim, run and bike (1) Marathon! Stay tuned.
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