09/07/2025
At 25, Rebecca Newark is a rising star on the ParalympicsGB Para Cycling team, determined to reach the top of international sport.
Born with bilateral talipes, Rebecca underwent surgery as a baby to correct her right leg, leaving her with a smaller calf and reduced ankle mobility, challenges she’s never let hold her back.
Rebecca competed in able-bodied sport throughout her youth, but by age 20, deterioration in her ankle meant she had to adapt. She transitioned into para sport, where she’s since found her calling in elite-level cycling.
To train and compete at the highest level, Rebecca needed more than a standard AFO. That’s where Proactive came in.
Working closely with our orthotist Issy, Rebecca was fitted with a bespoke cycling-specific AFO, manufactured by Fabtech Systems, designed to integrate with her cycling shoe while maintaining correct alignment and comfort during competition and training sessions.
"The new brace is so much more comfortable and allows me to ride with better biomechanics. It's helped me avoid injuries and improve technique, especially when riding out of the saddle,” says Rebecca.
The fitting process involved custom casting, including doing so over her cycling shoe to ensure optimal alignment, that enables her to ride longer, stronger, and pain-free.
“The brace has become part of me now,” she says. “It’s professional, looks great, and it gives me the confidence to push harder.”
Rebecca is now aiming for international podiums and selection for the 2028 Paralympics in LA. We’re proud to support her on that journey and continue working with her to refine her device as her performance evolves.
