Buchan originally was a track and field competitor. She was also considered a top U.S. cyclist until a road race accident in 1982 shattered her skull, placing her into a coma for two months and causing permanent brain injuries. Following surgeries and rehabilitation, she returned to the track at the 1988 Summer Paralympics in Seoul, winning a silver in the 800m. Buchan cycled against men at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, finishing two races at 9th and 10th. She competed at the 2004 games in Athens when women's cycling was first included in the Paralympics.