“If I can inspire young kids to be themselves then I’ve done my job”
The one and only Stacey Kohut.
Stacey Kohut is a Canadian paraplegic mountain biker who sends it down Whistler’s bikepark trails whilst aiming to change attitude about disability.
Over to you Stacey…
“Riding a four wheeled mountain bike for me is like Christmas, my birthday, Easter, Valentine’s Day and summer break all rolled into one. I’ve dedicated everything to this bike and doing what I do.
“The thing I love most about four-wheel mountain biking is… there is two sides, there’s the selfish part which is wind in the face, showing off for the girls, being super flashy and rock and roll, I love that.
“The other part of what I do – let’s be honest – is a hardcore social statement. It’s me saying “You know what? I’m in a wheelchair, I can do whatever I want, look at me go out there and kick some butt. This is a pure extension of me. If I can inspire young kids to be themselves, then I’ve done my job.
“It’s fun to go out there and put on that show and be that example because the kids are getting it and sometimes I think that’s all that really matters. As long as the kids get it because they’re the ones that’ll form the next generation of opinions about people with disabilities.”