Episode 16: Clifton Lyles - Crashing our way to Inclusion
Out of a whopping 66 teams who competed in the Eco Challenge, particularly notable was Team Onyx with Team Captain Clifton Lyles, whose goal is to put together a barrier breaking team for the show. Clifton Lyles two decades of adventure racing began when he watched Eco Challenge on TV in 1999. Throughout his career, he noticed an evident lack of diversity in the sport. With the opportunity to appear and participate on Eco Challenge, Clifton decided to inspire potential future athletes by forming a team of people of color. Team Onyx is made up entirely of Black members, a first in the history of Eco Challenge and the global racing scene in general.
Join us and tune in to this latest episode as Team Onyx’s Team Captain – Clifton Lyles recalls their journey in the World’s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge, and how they have accomplished its goal of opening doors and inspire a more diverse contestants, and athletes in general to participate in future races!
IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL HEAR:
Clifton Lyles’ family background and what he does outside adventure racing
The journey through Adventure Racing
Clifton Lyles’ racing experiences with different teams over the years
How Team Onyx was formed
Team Onyx as a community of people of color who are passionate in adventure racing
Breaking the barriers of entry to adventure racing
Team Onyx’s training leading up to the race and the challenges they encountered during the Eco Challenge
The “wild” first few days of Team Onyx on the Eco Challenge race
Recalling the crash that team captain Clifton Lyles suffered on the gravel road
The responsibility of being the team captain and the only navigator of the team (which was not shown on the show)
Clifton Lyles’ daughter – Mikayla Lyles – who acted as the team’s support person
Clifton Lyles is leading the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force – what is the task force all about and what are their goals
The story of Clifton Lyles “tattoo”
Connect with Cliff!
Instagram: @cliftonlyles and @onyxadventureracing
Website: http://team-onyx.com/
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