Michael Stephens

Stephens is a retired U.S. Army 12B Combat Engineer who was introduced to cycling as an adaptive form of sport rehabilitation following an Operation Enduring Freedom combat deployment, during which he was injured multiple times in direct combat and from improvised explosive device (IED) blasts.

As he gradually lost his vision over the following years, Stephens continued to pursue elite-level competition, driven by the opportunity to once again represent the United States on the international stage. Alongside his longtime pilot and friend, Joe Christiansen, he has progressed from earning National Championship titles and setting national records to winning medals at the UCI Para-cycling World Championships, Continental Championships, and claiming a Para Pan American Championship title in 2023.

Beyond competition, Stephens is a devoted husband and father who is committed to supporting his family, continually improving himself, and proving that life does not end when others tell you that you can no longer do what you love. Through his journey, he hopes to inspire others to get out of bed, keep moving forward, and never give up, even when the path ahead feels impossible.