People who make the best of life’s knocks

If I severed my spine during a sporting accident, I doubt that would motivate me to step up my game and become a world champion―let alone in the very same sport that left me paralyzed.

Fortunately, other people are less chicken.

Enter Canadian Josh Dueck.

Back in 2004, Josh wasn’t considered an up-and-coming champ, but he was a talented 23-year-old ski coach and freestyle skier (read: fancy-ass manœuvres versus the usual downhill skiing or racing).

That year, Josh failed to complete a jump properly and that mistake landed him in hospital. While recovering there from his crash, Josh decided he wanted to re-experience the freedom of spinning in the air on skis. He’s just found out he’s paralyzed from the waist down, and instead of spiralling into a funk Josh sets himself an incredible goal. Merely getting back on the slopes would be a feat, yet Josh chose to soar again.

So last month, the para-alpine skiier succeeded in his pursuit; Josh set a world-first record by completing a back-flip on a mono-ski (a.k.a. sit ski). Fittingly, he did so in British Columbia, the same province where he crashed eight years ago.

Did I mention that in the interim years, Josh racked up other impressive titles? He earned a silver medal at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympics, gold and bronze medals from the 2011 and 2012 X Games in Aspen, and excellent standings in countless para-alpine competitions around the world. Inspired yet?

By the way, Josh isn’t resting on his laurels now that he has achieved his February 3rd back flip. No, among other world competitions, Josh is training for the 2014 Paralympic Games, and in his spare time he’s doing the media circuit. Here’s a mid-February video clip of Josh with Ellen DeGeneres.



Don't you think it's fitting that Josh’s sit ski is dubbed his Freedom Chair? Here's to someone who more than makes the best of life’s knocks.

      AWESOME! 

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