David Snypes Jr., a veteran of the U.S. Army from Newburgh, has defied the odds and made history by completing a run down the Mount Van Hoevenberg bobsled track in a sled built specifically for single-arm amputees. Snypes lost the use of his left arm due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in 2016, and just last year his arm was amputated. This made it impossible for him to participate in bobsled, a sport that traditionally requires the use of two hands to steer.
However, thanks to a new sled design created by Virginia Tech students through the Quality of Life Plus program, Snypes was able to navigate the bobsled track with just one arm. The sled features a steering system that allows Snypes to control the direction of the sled using a single D-shaped handle. This innovative technology has opened up new possibilities for individuals with disabilities who were previously unable to participate in bobsled.
Snypes, along with three other new sliders, completed four runs in total on the Mount Van Hoevenberg track. Despite their initial success, all four sliders were eager to figure out how to make the sled go even faster. The new sled design has been hailed as revolutionary in the sport of bobsled, with U.S. Parabobsled push division national team member DJ Skelton describing it as a game-changer.
The successful completion of the run by Snypes marks a significant milestone in adaptive sports, showcasing the power of innovation and determination in overcoming physical limitations. The sled design not only allows Snypes to participate in bobsled but also provides a platform for future advancements in adaptive sports technology.