Adrien Niyonshuti survived the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, which took many of his family members.
Focused on the future —
Adrien Niyonshuti survived the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, which took many of his family members.
He has overcome the odds to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics, and proudly carried the Rwandan flag during the opening ceremony.
Inspiring a nation —
He has overcome the odds to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics, and proudly carried the Rwandan flag during the opening ceremony.
AFP/Getty Images
The Team Rwanda rider honed his mountain biking skills in Switzerland ahead of the Games.
Swiss preparation —
The Team Rwanda rider honed his mountain biking skills in Switzerland ahead of the Games.
Courtesy Ryan Scheer and Rising From Ashes
Rwandan President Paul Kagame lights a flame of remembrance to commemorate the genocide, which claimed approximately 800,000 lives in the span of 100 days -- including six of Niyonshuti's brothers and 60 of his extended family.
Remembering the Genocide —
Rwandan President Paul Kagame lights a flame of remembrance to commemorate the genocide, which claimed approximately 800,000 lives in the span of 100 days -- including six of Niyonshuti's brothers and 60 of his extended family.
AFP/Getty Images
Niyonshuti made history in 2009 when he became the first black African to ride in a pro cycling race, braving wet conditions when he competed in the Tour of Ireland in a field which also included American legend Lance Armstrong.
Mixing it with the pros —
Niyonshuti made history in 2009 when he became the first black African to ride in a pro cycling race, braving wet conditions when he competed in the Tour of Ireland in a field which also included American legend Lance Armstrong.
Getty Images
Niyonshuti has been receiving advice from Thomas Frischknect, who won the 2005 mountain bike world championship for Switzerland.
Swiss coaching guru —
Niyonshuti has been receiving advice from Thomas Frischknect, who won the 2005 mountain bike world championship for Switzerland.
AFP/Getty Images