One cause that is near and dear to my heart is spinal injury research. I have had 3 friends sustain spinal injuries and loose the use of their legs through ski injuries. While I was working as an athlete manager for Jeep a good friend of mine, Tara Llanes, lost the use of her legs in a cycling accident. As an athlete I cannot imagine anything more terrifying than sustaining that kind of an injury. In spite of my dislike of ska music a Mighty Mighty Bosstone’s lyric keeps crossing my mind: “I’m not a coward, I’ve just never been tested, i like to think if I was I would pass.” I cannot imagine the ways a spinal injury would test you. The stories of athletes who have suffered them and soldiered on amaze and inspire me. Here is a story of someone who has been tested and who has passed with flying colors!

Josh Dueck was an up and coming Canadian skier. I met Josh on the Nor-Am tour (skiing’s minor leagues, one step down from World Cup) in the late 90’s we were both mogul skiers. The video below is of Josh telling his story in his own words. It is rough stuff and there are a few swear words:

Now fast forward to this spring where Josh is a Sit-Ski World Champion:

I am so impressed and inspired by Josh’s story of perseverance, courage, ability to suffer such a great loss and come out of it a World Champion.

Here is more video of Josh ripping it up! Watching him ski powder at the end of the video simply amazing!

Thanks for reading

mike