Army veteran breaks barriers: First one-handed athlete to steer Paralympic bobsled

While para bobsledding has accommodated those with lower body or back injuries, the sport remained inaccessible to one-armed athletes until now.

BLACKSBURG, Va. — A Virginia Tech engineering project has enabled the first one-handed athlete to successfully steer a bobsled, marking a breakthrough in adaptive sports technology.

Army veteran David Snypes Jr., who lost his arm in a motorcycle accident, made history by navigating the technically demanding Lake Placid track using a specialized one-handed steering system developed by Virginia Tech engineering students.

Traditionally, bobsledding requires two-handed rope steering, limiting participation for athletes with upper-limb mobility challenges. While para bobsledding has accommodated those with lower body or back injuries, the sport remained inaccessible to one-armed athletes until now.

“The human spirit is truly remarkable, and it’s incredible to see how the Bobsled/Skeleton community is pushing the limits of what athletes can achieve,” said DJ Skelton, a U.S. Para Bobsled team member who conducted initial testing. “Can an athlete with no legs bobsled? One arm? One eye? Absolutely! We’re proving it—and making history in the process.”

The project, facilitated by nonprofit QL Plus, continues as students work to enhance the steering system for higher speeds and stronger g-forces.

“At QL Plus, we’re privileged to connect brilliant engineering students with brave veterans to create life-changing innovations like the one-handed bobsled,” said Mark Robbins, Executive Director of QL Plus. “This work goes far beyond engineering; it’s about making a real difference and supporting our nation’s veterans.”

“Being part of this effort to create more opportunities for athletes in sliding sports is an honor,” Skelton added.