The Wright Stuff
Daphne Wright
US Navy Veteran, competitive athlete and QL+ Challenger
Los Angeles, California
June 2011
“Here is this organization that is going to help me achieve my goals of competing at the world level and becoming a world class athlete.”
Daphne Wright, a QL+ Challenger, first heard about QL+ at a veterans’ conference in Los Angeles. “Getting help in this day and age is so hard,” Ms. Wright says. “I was in awe.”
Ms. Wright is a former naval telecommunications and cryptology operator who participates competitively in various athletic field events, including discus, shot put and javelin. Since beginning her athletic career in September 2009, Ms. Wright has won 12 gold medals, qualified for the State Games of California and the State Games of America, and is listed as a hopeful for the Paralympics 2012. All this has been achieved despite the significant pain and discomfort that her injuries cause her during training and competition.
One of the challenges QL+ has addressed is the development of a portable, sweat-resistant TENS machine to help Ms. Wright and other athletes overcome nerve pain that impacts their performance. Her physical therapist recommended using a TENS unit, but Ms. Wright noticed that the unit became less adhesive and therefore less effective with rigorous exercise. The new TENS unit has better adhesive properties and breathable materials to help overcome perspiration issues. It will help to keep her back loose during competition, which will ultimately improve her performance.
Ms. Wright enjoyed working with the faculty and students at Cal Poly throughout the design and development process. “They have all been really accommodating and are always there to address my issues and concerns,” she said. “They keep me informed and always include me in the process. I would definitely recommend QL+ to others.”
Ms. Wright feels that, with the right equipment, the “possibilities are limitless.” Instead of worrying about her equipment, she will be able to focus her attention on technique – and winning! “It’s a huge confidence builder when you know you have the best equipment available,” she said. “Here is this organization that is going to help me achieve my goals of competing at the world level and becoming a world class athlete.”