Spotlight on members of our community living with neuromuscular conditions: Cormac O’Callaghan

As part of our members’ stories series, Cormac O’Callaghan is delighted to share his story about his involvement in cycling. Cormac lives with the condition, Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.

Cormac O’Callaghan

I compete in paracycling at national and international levels. It helps me push myself and feel accomplished. I get to meet and compete with other great athletes from Ireland and around the world. 

How did you get involved in cycling? 

I started cycling on an e-bike during lockdown. I got my first road bike for Christmas in 2020 when I was 14. This bike helped me get serious about cycling and start competing. So, I’ve been cycling since 2020 and racing since 2021. I've worked hard to improve and compete at higher levels.

What type of bike do you use?

Cormac O’Callaghan

I use a BMC road bike and a BMC time trial bike. The road bike is good for general riding and racing, while the time trial bike is designed for speed in time trials.

Have you competed in cycling? If so, what competitions have you competed in? 

Yes, I have competed nationally in the national Paracycling Time Trial League and the National Championships. I have also competed internationally at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Paracycling World Cup in Italy and Belgium and the Paracycling World Championships in Scotland in 2023. These are big events where the best paracyclists come together to compete.

What challenges do you face when cycling/competing with a neuromuscular condition? 

When I train, I don't see as much improvement as able-bodied people do. It was also hard to find a club that would accept a paracyclist but I was very lucky to find Kanturk O’Leary Stone Cycling Club where Danny Curtin, an internationally recognised coach, was very willing to take me on board. 

What tips would you give to someone with a neuromuscular condition who wants to take up cycling? 

It is possible and you need to trust the process. Improvement won't happen overnight but keep going. Find supportive coaches and communities and look for adaptive equipment if needed.

Has cycling benefited your overall health? 

Yes, 100%. I have a pacemaker due to my condition and my doctors say my heart performance has greatly improved. I have also seen my lung function improve significantly from 70% to 95%.

What advice would you give to a child or young person living with a neuromuscular condition to achieve their goals? 

Believe in yourself. Having a disability doesn't make you any different from anyone else. Follow your passions, set goals, and keep pushing. Find people who support you and your dreams. I have had a professional coach for the last two years. He is Mark Rohan, two-time Paralympic Gold Medallist. He has been a huge help and inspiration to me.

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Cycling has taught me to be strong and keep going, no matter what. It has given me amazing opportunities and experiences. I hope my story inspires others with neuromuscular conditions to follow their dreams. Every journey starts with a single step – take that first step and see where it leads you.

If you’d like to share your story, please contact us here.