While Phase has the capacity and resources of a commercial fabrication shop, we truly enjoy the chance to help individuals in the community. Daniel Romanchuk, a Mt. Airy, Maryland, native, began participating in many sports, including wheelchair racing, at age 4. At the age of 9, he needed an adjustment to raise his handcycle cranks so they would clear his knees while turning. His father, Stephan, had a professional relationship with the Alexanders at Phase and knew it was the perfect place to fix the problem.
Reflecting on his sports endeavors over the years, Daniel said, “Adaptive sports equipment often needs custom adjustments that can’t be accomplished at a typical sports store, so it’s critical to have a creative local shop that can see the issue in person and brainstorm a solution.” With new aluminum brackets installed, Daniel was ready to roll.
Over the years, Daniel has become a two-time gold and two-time bronze Team USA Paralympic wheelchair racing medalist, a multiple-time Boston, New York, and Chicago Marathon champion, and the founder of Wheels for Change, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps beginning wheelchair racers here in the United States and around the world.
Recently, Daniel paid another visit to the team at Phase Incorporated. He was preparing to leave for the New York City Half Marathon the following day, but the carbon fiber cover on his new racing chair’s trunk did not fit properly. With an adjustment of that piece by Phase, Daniel went on to win the race! Just a few weeks later, he finished his 10th Boston Marathon, placing second in April.
“It was such a relief that Phase was willing and able to do the emergency custom work to allow me to get back on the road so quickly!” he commented.
We wish Daniel all the luck in his racing career and his future. Stop by anytime!