Robert M. Hensel Explained

Robert Michael Hensel (b. May 8, 1969^[1]) was born with the birth defect known as Spina bifida. He is also a Guinness World Records holder for the longest non-stop wheelie in a wheelchair, covering a total distance of 6.178 miles.^[2] As part of setting his record, he raised money for wheelchair ramps throughout Oswego, New York, his hometown.^[3]

In 2000, realizing the need to focus more on one's abilities and less on their disabilities, Hensel sought to have a week designated that would bring to light the many talents and accomplishments being made by individuals with disabilities.^[4] Due to his efforts, Oswego County passed a motion that year recognizing Oct. 1-7 as Beyond Limitations week.

Awards and honors

• State of New York Executive Chamber Certificate of Commendation^[5]
• Guinness World Record Holder
• Spokesperson for Athletes for Hope^[6]
• 2008 Go Fast Sports & Beverage Athlete^[7]

External links

• • • Hensel's active account at Facebook for nonprofit support to those with disabilities
• Famous Oswegonians
• 'Believe And Achieve' Set Tonight At Armory from Oswego County Today

Notes and References

1. https://books.google.com/books?id=GTOxdW1X-ogC&pg=PA40 Celebrity Birthday Directory, 5th edition, page 40
2. News: O'Toole . Catie . A Ride Into The Record Book; When It Comes To Wheelchair Wheelies, The Ultimate Can Be Found In The City Of Oswego . . October 2, 2003 . Fee required . https://web.archive.org/web/20121025173211/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-108454472.html . dead . October 25, 2012 . April 7, 2008.
3. News: Dowty . Douglass . Record Attempt Must Wait; Robert Hensel, Of Oswego, Hurt While Practicing To Break His World Mark For Wheelchair Wheelie Distance. . Syracuse Post-Standard . September 29, 2005 . Fee required . https://web.archive.org/web/20121025173233/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-136865546.html . dead . October 25, 2012 . April 7, 2008.
4. News: Pierie . Jennika . Poet's Idea Catches On; Beyond Limitations Week, Recognizing The Disabled, Is Inspiration Of Oswego Writer . Syracuse Post-Standard . October 1, 2001 . Fee required . https://web.archive.org/web/20121025173325/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-78814269.html . dead . October 25, 2012 . April 8, 2008.
5. News: Oswego City Man Noted For His Advocacy Work . Syracuse Post-Standard . September 17, 2004 . Fee required . https://web.archive.org/web/20121025173657/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-122208751.html . dead . October 25, 2012 . April 8, 2008.
6. http://www.athletesforhope.org/afh-roster.html Athletes for Hope Roster
7. News: Yablonski . Steve . Local Man Sets Out On World Record Quest . Oswego County Today . May 6, 2008 . May 13, 2008.