Art of Prevention Paralympic Snowboarding: Overcoming Obstacles and Racing to Success with Zach Miller
Welcome to The Art of Prevention. In this special episode, we visit the Adaptive Action Sports Office at Copper Mountain, where we meet Zach Miller, a remarkable Paralympic athlete who has represented the United States in Beijing. Join us as Zach shares his inspiring journey, discussing how he got his start in snowboarding and the progression that led to his remarkable success.
Zach's story is one of resilience and determination. From a young age, he faced the challenges of living with cerebral palsy, undergoing regular treatments and hospital visits. As he grew up, his competitive spirit emerged, catching the attention of his doctors who recommended he join the hospital sports program. With the support of his mother and inspired by his athletic older brother, Zach's passion for sports blossomed.
At the age of eight, Zach embarked on his first skiing experience through the hospital sports program, and despite the exhaustion that followed, he couldn't wait to go back. Two years later, he discovered snowboarding and immediately fell in love with the sport. Training with the National Sport Center for the Disabled, Zach's talent flourished. When he learned about Boardercross, a new and exhilarating snowboarding discipline set to be included in the Paralympics, he knew he had found his calling.
In this video, Zach takes us through the nuances of Boardercross and highlights its distinguishing factors from other snowboarding competitions like big air and slopestyle. He explains that Boardercross is all about speed and precision, with courses featuring gates, technical features, jumps, and challenging turns. It's an adrenaline-fueled race from start to finish, where every move counts.
Beyond Boardercross, Zach also competes in banked slalom, a discipline that demands technique and precise timing. He emphasizes the importance of cross-training and shares how activities like downhill mountain biking and skateboarding during the summer months contribute to his overall strength, endurance, and mental sharpness. Through these training methods, he hones his field of vision, a crucial element in both snowboarding and motorcycle riding, which keeps him focused and proactive on the slopes.
Just before the 2022 Winter Paralympics, Zach Miller suffered a severe back injury that threatened his participation in the highly anticipated Boardercross and Banked Slalom events. Faced with the possibility of missing out on his dream, Zach made a courageous decision. Determined to compete, he opted for an epidural to alleviate the pain and allow him to give his all on the slopes. With unwavering resilience and spirit, Zach defied the odds and took to the course, showcasing his extraordinary strength and dedication to his sport. This is a story of true perseverance and the indomitable spirit of a champion.
Join us as we delve into Zach Miller's incredible journey as a Paralympic snowboarder. Hear about his triumphs, his perspective on overcoming obstacles, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in snowboarding. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a true champion.
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