Richard Hughes
Name: Richard L. Hughes
Sport (s): Sailing, Surfing and Offshore racing
Hometown: Miami, FL
DOB: October 4, 1955
Height: 5’11” Weight: 222 Pounds
Education: Shelby State College, Memphis: TN
Northwestern University, Evanston. IL
Occupation: Orthotist/Prosthetist
Athletic Classification: Below the knee amputee
Richard Hughes is the system and sales trainer BioSculptor Corporation in Hialeah, FL. He has a below-knee amputation and enjoys a variety of sports. When not on a sailboat, he may be seen surfing on the beach or kayaking in the shallows to watch for marine life and birds. His other interests are stand up paddle boarding, cycling, snowboarding and spending time with his dog and family. His love for the outdoors is shown by acting as a steward and spending time introducing others to the bay and it ecology. He started sailing competitively in high school.
Richard was born in Wales and came to the US at the age of ten. He grew up in Texas from age eleven and is the oldest of three children. He attended Shelby State College in Memphis, Tennessee and Northwestern University Orthotic and Prosthetic Center in Chicago, Illinois. He now resides in Miami, Florida but has also lived in Illinois and Pennsylvania.
Richard lost his leg while launching a yacht on Lake Texoma and has been active in the rehabilitation field since the 80s. He has extensive experience with children who are physically challenged.
National & International Competition Highlights:
US Disabled Sailing Team 1997-2000
1st, '92 Miami Key Largo
1st, '98 Hospice Cup Regatta
2nd, 98 World Disabled Sailing Championship
3rd, 1999 Cape May Leukemia Cup
1st, 2000 CRAB Cup
1st, 2000 Cape May Leukemia Cup
2nd, 2008 Worth Monroe Regatta
1st, 2009 Miami Key Largo
1st, 2009 Conch cup
Records/Personal Best:
"A year to the day that I lost my leg, I went snow skiing. I regard my participation in triathlons as some of my best personal feats."
Other Honors & Achievements:
Cited in various publications for innovations in work and sports rehabilitation medicine
Personal/Athletic Goal(s):
Personal Motto or favorite quote:
"Not once or twice in our rough island story the path of duty is the way to glory"
What does it mean to be an athlete? To understand the capabilities of my body and set my challenges. Learn to cooperate with others in meeting mutual goals.
Contact Information: loosefootsurfer@yahoo.com: or call: 727-254-1333