LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 12, 2011: Cyclist Allison Jones (right) and guest during the Vault of Secrets Party sponsored by Hennessy Red Carpet.Spot in Hollywood, CA (Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN).
Allison Jones, the United States’ flag bearer at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, said she was competing in memory of her late father, who died in a plane crash in July. The two-time gold medalist also honored her father’s legacy by designing new cycling equipment for physically disabled athletes.
As a top Paralympic cyclist and skier — and also a mechanical engineer — Jones was always looking to improve her gear.