2002 World Time Trial Champion and 2004 Parlaympian, Greg Hockensmith, became the fastest paraplegic to top Mount Fuji yesterday, in a custom-built 4-wheeled handcycle made by One Off Handcycles. Hockensmith was more than 80 hours quicker than the last summit.
Hockensmith summited the 12,388 foot peak with a team of 8 others on Tuesday. The team took 13 hours, 48 minutes to reach the summit and experienced relatively good weather on thei trek. “It was about one of the hardest things I have ever done, we all worked very hard.” said Hockensmith following his accomplishment.”Pretty mind blowing stuff up there in the thin air, I won’t ever forget it.”
Hockensmith’s endeavor took months to plan, and Mt. Fuji was selected specifically for it’s location in Japan and its proximity to the town of Kusatsu…where the mayor received “The Mayor’s Global Alliance for Community Awareness” award. Hockensmith visited the town shortly after his accomplishment in order to participate in a special ceremony that exemplifies why Japan was selected as the first Global Wellness Alliance Partner.
Greg’s trip, dubbed “Reaching the summit without limits” was sponsored by the Perimeter Bicycling Association and the Global Sports Alliance , who helped the 34-year old Hockensmith in his effort to create inspiration and awareness of physical and mental wellness with this undertaking. Both organizations promote global health, fitness, and a clean environment specifically through cycling and all other forms of sport and physical activity. The trip was also largely subsidized by Pierson Construction under the direction of Rich Pierson, who is renowned for his vigorous support of athletes and athletic events all over the world.
Mount Fuji, or Fujiyama, is the highest mountain in Japan. A dormant volcano volcano” that last erupted in 1708, it straddles the boundary of Shozuoka and Yamanashi prefectures just west of Tokyo, from which it can be seen on a clear day. Mount Fuji’s exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as visited by sightseers and climbers.
The local proverb states: ‘He who climbs Mount Fuji once is a wise man, he who climbs it twice is a fool.’
We expect this will be Greg’s first — AND last — trip up Mt. Fuji.
For more information, please visit Greg’s website: www.handcyclist.com
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