Worcester: – When life took an unexpected turn for Worcester detective Lyndon Van Wyk in 2018, he refused to let adversity define him.
A devastating motorcycle accident left him wheelchair-bound, but his spirit remained unbroken. Today, he is not only a dedicated police officer and father of two but also a champion hand cyclist set to represent South Africa on the world stage.
On Sunday, March 10, 2025, Van Wyk was among the 28,000 cyclists who took part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour—but unlike many, he powered through the race with his hands, proving that resilience knows no limits.
A Life-Altering Moment
Van Wyk’s journey took a drastic turn on September 1, 2018, when he was hit from behind while riding his motorcycle. The accident left him with a broken spinal cord, forever altering his mobility. “To think that just seconds before, I could walk—and then, just like that, everything changed,” he recalls. “I had to rediscover myself in a wheelchair. My love for investigation and serving my community became more limited, but I never lost my purpose.” Though no longer able to work in the field, Van Wyk embraced his new desk-bound role, proving to his children that life’s challenges are meant to be overcome. “In the end, we must be grateful for what we still have,” he says. “There will always be someone facing even greater struggles. That perspective keeps me moving forward.”
The Road to Hand cycling
While recovering at Vincent Pallotti Hospital, a local pastor introduced Van Wyk to hand cycling—and he was hooked. “What started as a simple recreational activity quickly turned into competitive racing,” he explains. Despite never having cycled before, Van Wyk’s passion for sports—previously focused on soccer, cricket, and tennis—propelled him into a new athletic chapter.
From Local Races to the World Stage
- Over the past few years, Van Wyk has built an impressive race record, completing major cycling events such as:
- Cape Winelands PPA One Tonner Tour (62km, 2023)
- Winelands Cycle Race (48km, 2023)
- Cape Town Cycle Tour (42km, 2023)
- George OCC (40km, 2024)
- Timber City Oudtshoorn (57km, 2024)
- Oudtshoorn Western Cape Road & Time Trial Championships (2025)
His hard work paid off when he became Western Cape’s gold medal champion and qualified for the South African National Trials in Midvaal, Johannesburg.
There, he claimed
- 1st place (Gold) in the Road Race (55km)
- 2nd place (Silver) in the 22km Individual Time Trial
- National Champion title in the H-3 disability classification
His remarkable achievements have now earned him the opportunity to compete in the World Championships in Belgium, a dream he has long held but one that comes with financial challenges.“To represent my hometown and my country at the world championships is an incredible honour,” says Van Wyk. “However, getting to Belgium requires funding of between R60,000 and R70,000, and I am hoping for support to make this journey possible.”
A Champion’s Spirit
Van Wyk’s story is one of determination, perseverance, and an unbreakable will to succeed. His journey serves as a reminder that disability is not inability—and that every challenge presents a new opportunity to rise above. To support Lyndon Van Wyk on his journey to the World Championships in Belgium, you can reach out to him for sponsorship details. His story is not just about cycling—it’s about proving that no setback can stop a person determined to push forward.
Lydon Van Wyk has overcome incredible challenges to represent South Africa internationally in hand cycling. Now, he needs support to make it to Belgium for the World Championships.
If you would like to help or get in touch with him
You can contact the Worcester Police Station for his details. If you know Lyndon personally, please ask him to send his contact number via the “Contact Us” section. Any information on official fundraising efforts would also be appreciated.
Every bit of support can help him achieve his dream!
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