Last year I was lucky enough to work at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign assisting their world class wheelchair athletic and basketball programs.

Whilst I learnt a great deal on various programs, exercise planning and technology, a big take away was the contacts I have been able to make and maintain.

One of those contacts was the awesome Arielle Rausin, UIUC athlete and owner / creator of 3D printed wheelchair racing gloves through her business Ingenium Manufacturing. I got to use these gloves when I was given the opportunity to try out a racing chair as part of my time there (that’s a whole other story!!).

Karla was interested in trying out Arielle’s creations to give her some extra confidence and improved technique, so just before Xmas I contacted Arielle to see if we could get a pair to evaluate.

Yesterday I was able to give Karla the pair as a belated Xmas gift and she eagerly took them him and tried them out. About two hours later I received a text:

“Gloves are 🔥. Tested them this afternoon”

I think that means she liked them!!

We will continue to test them over the coming weeks with, all going well, the plan to get a brand new pair in readiness for World Championships this year.

Image: Happy athlete, happy coach!

A massive thanks to Arielle for sending these over, you should check out her website Ingenium Manufacturing for yourself and grab a pair.