BRISTOL, Tenn. – Athletic success is often defined not only by medals but by the perseverance and character that shape an athlete's journey. For
Jayson Wallace, a cyclist from King University, the path from local training grounds to the Deaflympics has been marked by resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
When asked what initially inspired his interest in cycling, Wallace reflected on his childhood:
"My father taught me how to ride a mountain bike when I was young. I stopped playing baseball in middle school and picked up bike racing from there on. I came to King because I wanted to keep racing but also further my education. I am blessed that King gave me that opportunity, and God called me here." This early introduction to cycling laid the foundation for a collegiate career that would soon propel him onto the international stage.
His time at King University has been defined by camaraderie and growth. Wallace described his most memorable experiences with the team:
"Some of my fondest memories come from being on the road with the team here at King. We are like family. A memorable experience would be my first Collegiate National Championship as a freshman. I got beat by a lot of other really fast collegiate racers, that was really my welcome to Collegiate sports moment, a completely different level of competition than high school, truly humbling, and only made me train harder and more consistently."
The leap from collegiate cycling to representing Team USA at the Deaflympics was both unexpected and transformative. Wallace explained,
"I joined a deaf cycling development team my freshman year, then went to the World Deaf Mountain Bike Championships my sophomore year and finished 6th in the XCO or Olympic Cross Country race. Then I got invited to be on the USA Deaflympic squad. To be representing Team USA on an international stage is mind blowing. If you told me 5 years ago that I would be going to Japan to represent America, I wouldn't have believed you. I am incredibly blessed with the support of my family, friends, coaches, and teachers."
Competing as a deaf athlete presents unique challenges, yet Wallace has found ways to adapt.
"Even with my cochlear implants that help me hear, I don't hear everything when I am racing because of wind noise over the microphone. During a Criterium, there will be bells rung from the referees to signal points awarded to the first person across the line for a single lap during a race. I often times don't hear these bells or see the person ringing it. I am lucky to have teammates that will basically ring a bell with their hands to let me know. For the most part, being deaf doesn't affect me on the bike; mountain biking is pretty individualistic, and in road cycling, there is a cohesiveness among us that allows us to work together like one, without much verbal communication."
King University has played a pivotal role in supporting both his academic and athletic pursuits. Wallace noted,
"My professors have been incredibly flexible with my assignments and tests. They are always willing to work with me, even when I miss some classes because I am away racing. I have great mentors, including my Coach, Alan Sparks, and my boss/mentor, Chase Ardnt. They have given me guidance throughout the academic year, and shown me that strength is in my faith."
His training regimen reflects discipline and adaptability.
"During the summer before the season, I did about 3 months of high-volume, low-intensity riding. Basically, 15–20 hours of Zone 2 riding per week (150–300 miles). As the race season gets closer, the volume decreases and intensity increases. Now that I am back in school, I do anywhere from 10–15 hours of riding per week. Structured high intensity intervals are a big part of this. Then two days a week, the team does a core workout together in the mornings. The training doesn't change much for international competitions; I have to stick with what works. Very rarely does anything go your way or is exactly the way you want it… don't complain, instead execute and roll with the punches. Find a way to perform the best you can with what you have. That is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life."
Mental resilience is as crucial as physical preparation. Wallace admitted,
"The toughest part of training for me sometimes is finding the mental strength to get out and ride on the days that I don't want to. Having a big goal like the Deaflympics is a big motivator to stay consistent and push hard in my training. But some days your mind beats you up, and for that, I have my teammates to rely on. Nothing is better than getting out and riding with your friends when you both have the time. They are a second family to me."
His goals for the Deaflympics reflect both personal ambition and national pride.
"I would love to podium in the mountain bike events. That being said, there are a lot of really fast, talented racers from other countries. For team goals I always think of the movie Miracle on Ice where the coach wants the players to recognize that they no longer play for their own teams when they come to the Olympic team they are playing for the United States of America. I want to carry that mentality. I am racing for the U.S. I am going to do everything I can to get a medal for the U.S., not just for me."
Outside of cycling, Wallace values the broader student experience at King University.
"Working with SLACK allows me to meet so many new people, and create new connections with the community here at King."
Finally, his advice to aspiring athletes, particularly those who are deaf or hard of hearing, is both practical and inspiring:
"Don't always compare yourself to others, believe in yourself, the sky is the limit. Put yourself out there, take that leap, do things that push you out of your comfort zone."
Wallace's journey from King Athletics to the Deaflympics illustrates the intersection of faith, perseverance, and community. His story is not only about medals and rankings but about resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence on behalf of both himself and his country.
