Part 4 — It was during his time out on the water that Cliff felt that he could compete on an equal level. Here, the most important element was his upper body strength that had been built up with his weight training and in his need to use his crutches. Anyone who has ever spent any time on crutches knows of the rigorous demands that are placed on the upper body to support the legs in getting around.
Cliff began to master his new sport of outrigger canoe racing. In the beginning, his club coach had to literally carry him out in the water and assist him in getting in the canoe. He also received tremendous emotional support from his fellow outrigger canoe teammates who encouraged him and assisted his efforts.
Before long, Meidl decided to give the Sprint Kayaking event a try. Through hard work and his determination, Cliff was able to qualify for the U.S. Nationals in 1993 and he was named to the team that represented the USA at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
In 1995, Cliff participated in the Denver Olympic Festival where he brought home gold, silver and bronze medals in the kayaking event.
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