Episode #17 - Connecting Through Challenge: Kyle Gieni’s Tale of Resilience

In this episode of 'Connecting with Corinne,' I am joined by my long-time friend Kyle Gieni, whom I met during our university days over 20 years ago.Kyle shares his incredible journey of resilience and determination following a life-changing bicycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.Despite his severe injuries, Kyle completed his degree and forged a new path in life. He discusses his experiences in wheelchair marathons, breaking records, and his involvement in adaptive sports like sledge hockey and wheelchair floorball.Kyle also talks about his foray into the acting world, where he seeks to bring more representation to people with disabilities in film and television.Throughout the episode, Kyle emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, pushing boundaries, and finding community support in overcoming life's challenges.Since the recording of this podcast, Kyle participated in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon, and placed first in the Wheelchair Division at 1:22:26. He also participated in the BMO Vancouver Marathon, and generated the fastest times for a non-racing wheelchair athlete with poles, 2:59:25 this year, bettering his 3:11:59 from 2022.Can’t wait to see how he races in Regina in September!To connect with Kyle, you can find him here:Kyle Gieni InstagramIf you have been inspired by Kyle's story, feel free to make a donation or become involved in the BC Wheelchair Floor Ball AssociationOr watch Kyle make a small appearance in the short film on youtube:Moving to Japan