Brittani Coury stands at the finish line after competing in the Women's Adaptive Snowboard Final Presented by Toyota during Day 1 of the Dew Tour on Dec. 13, 2018 in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Every other week we scour the web for the latest goings on in the world of U.S. Para snowboarding. Here’s what you missed!
Social Media Roundup
The result of Brittani Coury’s recent fall was a fractured spine and pelvis, but by the end of January she was back on the slopes, albeit while wearing a brace.
“Comebacks and recovery aren’t easy, but I’m determined to come back stronger, faster, and better than before,” Coury wrote. “Thank you everyone for your continued prayers.”
Off the board, Coury also shared that she has a story featured in “The STEW,” a collection of 60 works by women hoping to make a positive difference in the world, with all the profits going to charity. Coury’s story is about her experiences as a Paralympian, inspiring others to push through difficult times and meet challenges.
“This book is for everyone, no matter where you are in your life,” Coury wrote. “It features women from all over the globe who never give up, fight for what is right, overcome adversity, help others, are unstoppable, unforgettable, imaginative, leaders, are lights in the world, and above all else, “do good and have fun.”
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After two weeks recovering in Boston with the help from her mom, Amy Purdy is now back home to make a full recovery from her leg surgery. Even in the middle of all that, Purdy found time to take on a new project, launching her new podcast. The first episode of “Bouncing Forward is available now. Purdy discusses her personal journey from losing her legs to finding her purpose.
“It’s all about the day that my life changed forever when I lost my legs but how that hardship led to some of the most amazing experiences of my life,” Purdy wrote. “Plus I share how to rewrite the rest of your story! Thank you to everyone who’s subscribing & sharing it and overall thank you for your support! I can’t wait to share more!”
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In honor of Black History Month throughout the month of February, retired snowboarder Mike Shea celebrated some of the Black role models in his life, from Olympians such as sprinter Michael Johnson to musicians like Jimi Hendrix, “Each and every one of these people have helped shaped me into the person I am today,” Shea wrote.
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World Para Snow Sports put out the call for international classifiers.
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In sad news, Keith Gabel family lost a dear family member on Jan. 28, his dog Sadie. Gabel got Sadie as an 8-week old pup, the day he returned from the hospital having lost his leg. She was a beloved part of the family for much of the next 16 years.
“Tonight we were blessed with an amazing sunset as if a sign from the heavens that her beautiful soul had been accepted to the next level and she was now in a meadow surrounded by lakes and rivers for swimming,” Gabel wrote in tribute. “Running at full speed, tongue hanging out the side of her mouth with all of her friends who went before her. Rest In Peace old friend.”
In the News
Paralympic hopeful Kiana Clay, and her quest to get upper limb disabilities on the Paralympic program for women, were featured in the New York Times. UL is due to join the Paralympic program in 2026, but Clay is leading the fight to get it added for Beijing in 2022. The category is already a part of international competition run by World Para Snowboarding and is growing in participation. Clay, 26, also recently became a member of the Burton Team organized by the famed snowboarding equipment supplier.
“The mark I’d like to leave is not only for disabled people, but for every human to understand that the only limitation they have is themselves,” Clay told the Times. “I want to help people see beyond themselves, what their potential is and what they’re capable of if they’re willing to put in the work.”
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National Geographic took a look at some of the latest technology that his helping adaptive skiers and snowboarders get on the slopes.
