SPOKHAND X DEAFLYMPICS - Interview of Blake (Road/Mountain Cycling)
Oct 28, 2025
Beyond the Road – The Story of Blake Herbold
Hello, I’m Blake Herbold, and I’m proud to represent the United States in cycling at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo.
Cycling has changed my life.
It’s more than just a sport it’s freedom, focus, and connection.
Every time I ride, I feel the world open up.
Preparation – Strength, Focus, and Endurance
I train about 15 hours a week, riding 2–3 hours a day, switching between road cycling and mountain biking.
My workouts mix endurance and interval sessions building speed, strength, and control.
I started cycling just five years ago, and I fell in love instantly.
By 2022, I was competing internationally at the Deaflympics in Brazil.
I finished 4th, just missing the podium, but that moment only made me stronger.
That experience taught me that failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of it.
It became the reason I push harder every day.
Now, my goal for Tokyo is clear:
🏅 to win a medal for Team USA.
Beyond Sport – Building a Deaf Cycling Community
Cycling gave me more than fitness — it gave me purpose.
I’ve learned that the Deaf community is full of incredible athletes, ready to rise and shine.
I want to bring Deaf cyclists together, to train, to share, and to prove that we can achieve greatness — together.
When we ride, we show the world that communication doesn’t depend on hearing.
It depends on trust, respect, and shared goals.
“You have a dream — you can make it happen.
Together, we can build a strong team and reach new heights.”
– Blake Herbold
Message – Ride with Heart
To every Deaf athlete, and to everyone chasing a dream:
Keep going. Don’t let doubt stop you.
The road is long, but it teaches patience, discipline, and strength.
Every climb makes you stronger. Every fall reminds you why you started.
Whether on the road, in the mountains, or in life ride with heart, and never stop believing in yourself.
🤝 Partners: spokhand.org – deaflympics.com
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