Maddie Reinach’s Comeback Story

Yes, I’m stubborn. I’ve been stubborn since I was a kid, but while training to race Wildflower Long Course 2026, I call the mindset ‘double or nothing.’ This mindset took me from almost losing my life in 2022 to now—living a life I once only dreamed of.

After racing Olympic distance at Wildflower 2025 with my UC Davis Triathlon teammates, I realized how extraordinary I am. I not only survived a three-week coma after being hit by a car while cycling, I also endured significant medical setbacks, seven trauma surgeries, and returned to triathlon -to cycling – despite the terror. Last year, Wildflower became more than just a race—it became the place where every version of me was allowed to show up: the one who wrapped her leg in bandages every day for months, the one who had to learn how to walk three times, and the consummate teammate. With the UC Davis Triathlon Team—cheering at the starting line and laughing through pre-race nerves—I wasn’t just a girl who survived. I was an athlete again.

I took the opportunity to volunteer with the Wildflower Medical Tent last year because I had enough experience with wounds and emergency care to feel comfortable helping other athletes. In the morning, I would use my experience, and every lesson I learned lying in bed for four months, to helpothers. Since I believe the only way to end mourning is to save lives, what was the reason for my pain, if not to gently guide others through theirs—and to remind us that pain, no matter how deep, is not forever?

My original rehabilitation plan was simple: “let’s see how far I can go before the arthritis, brain injury, or orthopedic traumas stop me.” But then I noticed a pattern. In 2022, I almost died; in 2023, I learned how to walk again in 2024, I learned how to run; in 2025, I competed in a sprint triathlon. In my mind, I would obviously double the distance each year with an Olympic distance in 2026, Long course in 2027, and an Ironman in 2028— ‘double or nothing,’ body permitting. Except the Wildflower Experience attracted me with its fellowship, liveliness, and the promise of pressureless joy. So I moved up my plans to join my lovely teammates in registering for the 2025 Olympic distance triathlon.

It wasn’t just the distance that drew me in—it was the people who made every effort feel significant. The first time I rode a bike after the accident, I promised myself to ride with a purpose, whether for someone or something. I raced the Olympic distance for Bridgid at San Francisco General Hospital, who helped me stand up for the first time, and Abigail at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, who held me as I walked my first steps. I am racing the Long course for two people: Sandrick and Lincoln. I met Sandrick as we were both rehabbing at Spaulding—he was paralyzed after a drive-by shooting and has since regained much of the use of his left leg, while his right remains paralyzed. Lincoln—a gleeful, humorous, capable athlete who brought energy and style to the entire team—was recently killed in a bike-versus-car accident. Sandrick and I are lucky to be alive, and I’m especially grateful to be mobile.

This race is for both of you—Sandrick and Lincoln.