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This is actually a new venture for me in the competition area. I have been riding for over 13 years but was halted after getting injured in combat while in iraq. since then I have been in recovery for a year and a half and setting goals to compete in order to further my physical abilities and reduce the impact my combat injuries have made on my life.
After being told I was not going to be able to use the left side of my body and will never regain sight in my right eye and will have balance problems for the rest of my life I was enraged at the thought of not being able to do what I want. so I set out and began working on the things i enjoy the most. After a year and a half of surgery, physical therapy, procedures and exams I feel I am ready to begin my dive into the downhill competition scene. It wont be to win at first but it will be my confidence booster and a learning experience to teach me where my levels are and what needs to be improved.
I am starting my racing career of with 06' Turner DHR. I have a huge support group including the VA hospital staff and a group of local riders. Disabled Americans Veterans (DAV) is also helping on the training aspect with a few clinics wich will fine tune compensation techniques for depth perception, balance and visual field deficits. I dont think money can buy the amount of support I am recieving at this point.
I am going to start applying for sponsorships for legitimacy of my racing and to promote the sport and be a trailbreaker for other disabled veterans.
life is good when your alive.
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