This month’s spotlight is Rob Balucas out of California! As a competitive triathlete, Rob is a two-time Active Fund grant recipient for a handcycle and racing chair. A dedicated competitor, Rob has been training and racing in triathlons since his injury. “I love triathlon for the community and people I’ve met, first and foremost,” he says. “I met my girlfriend because we shared triathlon as an interest.”

Rob has been doing paratriathlon for the past seven years, riding his handcycle over 100 miles each week in training. His commitment has earned him two qualifications for the IRONMAN World Championships. “I believe I have a high degree of expertise, experience, and certainty in my love for the sport,” Rob shares. In addition to the rigorous training, one of his biggest challenges remains finding safe roads in Los Angeles, often forcing him to log long hours on a stationary trainer in his garage. Rob says that his athleticism plays a crucial role in managing his neurological pain which he says can be debilitating at times. “But when I’m on my handcycle,” he says, “it all goes away and I can just focus on the road.”

With IRONMAN Sacramento, the LA Marathon, and even a potential race in Spain on the horizon, Rob continues to push toward ambitious goals. He also takes pride in representing the adaptive community, recently being named a Lululemon ambassador. “I really have a passion for sport, staying fit, and representation at endurance races,” he says. Beyond competing, Rob is also shaping the future of adaptive athletics through coaching roles at events like the Angel City Games and hopes to expand that work even further.

“I pride myself on being a Catalyst, Creative, Triathlete, Lego Connoisseur, Fresh Spring Roll Addict, and Paraplegic,” he says. If you can’t keep up with Rob at his races, you can catch him at home with his cute little dog named Chloe- or you can spot a picture of him in his KBF-funded racing chair at the Malibu Lululemon store!