How This Action Sports Star Built His Own Prosthetic Leg

Summary

The video script tells the inspiring story of an athlete who, despite losing part of his leg in a racing accident, refuses to be defined by his disability. He innovates a prosthetic leg with suspension, enabling his return to competitive racing and snowboarding. His journey culminates in earning spots on the Paralympic team, winning medals, and becoming a nine-time X Games gold medalist. His story is a testament to resilience and innovation, showing that with determination, one can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

Takeaways

• 🏁 The speaker, an athlete, dislikes the term 'disabled' and views everyone as having some form of disability.
• 🚴‍♂️ His competitive journey began with BMX biking at 13, progressed to motocross, and then snowmobile racing.
• 🥇 He achieved a fourth-place finish in the national championship series and landed on the podium multiple times.
• 🤕 A severe accident in 2008 led to the amputation of his leg, initially ending his professional racing career.
• 🦿 After amputation, he quickly adapted to a prosthetic leg, recognizing the need for a specialized one to return to sports.
• ✂️ He designed and built a custom prosthetic leg with shock absorption, similar to a suspension system, in his garage.
• 🏍️ Seven months post-accident, he was racing dirt bikes with his self-made leg, demonstrating resilience and innovation.
• 🏂 His invention led to the creation of a company to help other amputees, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
• 🥇 He became a Paralympic snowboarder, winning a gold and two silver medals, and a nine-time X Games gold medalist.
• 🚴‍♂️ Despite the challenges of being an amputee, he continues to pursue his passion for sports and live life to the fullest.

Q & A

What is the speaker's perspective on being called a 'disabled athlete'?

The speaker dislikes the term 'disabled athlete' and does not view themselves as disabled. They believe that everyone has some form of disability, and one is only disabled if they believe they are.

What was the speaker's competitive history before the accident?

The speaker's competitive history began with BMX biking at the age of 13, which progressed to motocross and then snowmobile racing. They had achieved fourth place in the national championship series and had landed on the podium multiple times.

What injury led to the speaker's amputation?

During a qualifying race in northern Michigan in 2008, the speaker was thrown from their snowmobile, resulting in a compound fracture that severed the main artery to their lower leg, leading to amputation.

How did the speaker adapt to their new situation after the amputation?

About five weeks after the injury, the speaker tried out a new prosthetic leg. They quickly realized that the basic mechanical leg was not suitable for sports, leading them to design a more advanced prosthetic with shock absorption capabilities.

What was the original purpose of the 'moto knee' that the speaker developed?

The original purpose of the 'moto knee' was to enable the speaker to get back on their dirt bike and continue racing, as it needed to absorb impact like their quadricep muscles.

How did the speaker's personal project evolve into a company?

After developing the 'moto knee' for personal use, the speaker met other amputees who could benefit from the equipment. This realization led to the idea of creating a company to provide such equipment.

What sports did the speaker participate in after developing their prosthetic leg?

The speaker returned to dirt bike racing and later discovered snowboarding, which led to competing in the World Cup tour and earning a spot on the 2018 Paralympic snowboarding team.

What achievements did the speaker accomplish in the Paralympic Games and X Games?

The speaker won a gold medal in border cross and a silver medal in bank slalom at the Paralympic Games. They are also a nine-time X Games gold medalist in adaptive racing, dirt bike, snowmobiles, and now snow bikes.

What is the speaker's current goal in sports?

After achieving their goals in adaptive racing and Paralympic snowboarding, the speaker aims to qualify for the pro snow bike race.

How does the speaker feel about their life after the amputation?

Although the speaker acknowledges the challenges of being an amputee, they have experienced many amazing things since their injury and continue to live life to the fullest.