Alicia Dana: A Journey of Return and Reinvention 

Alicia Dana hails from Putney, Vermont, where her early life was defined by competitive cycling and Nordic skiing. As a teenager, a fall from a 40-foot tree resulted in a spinal injury and paraplegia—she became paralyzed from the waist down—shifting her life’s trajectory. 

Rediscovering Sport Through Handcycling 

In the late 1990s, as handcycles became accessible, Alicia rediscovered her athletic identity. She cycled across the U.S. from Washington to Vermont, raising funds for disability causes. That ride was the beginning of her journey back into competition. 

She joined the U.S. Paralympics Cycling National Team in 2001 and raced at the 2002 World Championships. After nearly a decade away raising her daughter, she returned to the sport in 2011 and earned her place on the U.S. Paralympic team for the 2012 Games. 

Building on the International Stage 

In 2014, Alicia became the world’s fastest woman in her H3 classification by winning gold at the UCI Para‑Cycling Road World Championships. At the 2016 Rio Paralympics, she secured a silver medal in the time trial and placed fourth in the road race. 

Her performance remained strong: in 2019, she claimed two World Cup golds (time trial and road race) and took the national title the same year. 

Boston Marathon Milestones 

Alicia returned to her roots in handcycling, setting course records as a two-time Boston Marathon handcycle champion. Holding the women’s course record into the 2020s, she remained a top contender as she prepared for a potential final competitive run in 2024. 

Leadership on the CAF Women’s Handcycling Team 

Alicia became captain of the CAF Women’s Handcycling Team in 2019—a team established to elevate female participation in adaptive cycling.She’s competed in World Cups and national races under CAF’s banner and contributed to pushing the sport forward for women of all levels. 

Off the Bike 

Alicia balances her athletic career with parenting as a single mother to her teenage daughter. In her personal time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and outdoor activities. 

Career Highlights 

Beyond the Racing Line 

Alicia’s return to elite competition after a long break demonstrates not only personal determination but the power of community support. As captain of CAF’s Women’s Handcycling Team, she helps create space and visibility for women in adaptive sports. 

Join Her in Moving the Movement 

Alicia Dana’s career shows what happens when sport, support, and opportunity align. CAF continues to back athletes who are redefining their potential through grants, adaptive cycling support, and developmental pathways. 

You can help extend those opportunities—by supporting CAF’s mission, participating in events, or championing athlete stories like Alicia’s.