USA Hockey Magazine

AUGUST 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 31 AUGUST 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 31 s the sun starts to peek over the eastern edge of Nashville's horizon, the first glimmers of light dance across the tran- quil waters of Percy Priest Reservoir. Jack Wallace has already begun his morning routine 20 miles to the west in his downtown apartment before making the 20-minute com- mute to the Hamilton Creek Marina, which houses the Nashville Rowing Club. To beat the oppressive heat that has blanketed most of the country this summer, Wallace is in a race against time to get in his daily workouts before the sun and humidity zap him of his strength and endurance. Wallace finds solace and shade in the cab of his truck in between his gru- eling sessions, going over his previous workout as he plans for the next one. The setting is a far cry from the Franklin Lakes, N.J., native's usual field of excellence as a member of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. While being in the ice rink would be a welcome reprieve during the stifling summer heat, the change of scenery is paying dividends that have given him an opportunity to expand his athletic resume. Wallace is on a mission to do what few athletes have accomplished by qualifying for a spot with Team USA in both the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games. His summer sport of choice is paracanoeing, which, much like sled hockey, requires an immense amount of upper body strength, determination and endurance. Unlike his seven-year tenure with the tightknit U.S. Sled Hockey Team, though, this time Wallace toils and trains in isolation. Out on the lake, Wallace does not have the support of his U.S. team- mates, with whom he has won two Paralympic gold medals in addition to three IPC World Championship titles. Instead, Wallace is in a race against the clock and himself to achieve his goals. With the retirement of Nevin Harrison, the first American to medal at the Sprint Canoe World Championships in 2019, Wallace is on a solitary quest to represent the U.S in Paris next summer. It would make him one of a small number of athletes to compete at both the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games. Sled Hockey Stalwart Jack Wallace Taking On New Challenge In Quest To Punch Ticket To 2024 Summer Paralympic Games A

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