Tyler Walker: A true inspiration!
It is true that the only disability in life is a bad attitude. Tyler Walker is a classical example of this. The size of fight that we see in the man as he sails the snow on his monoski is remarkable. The name is quickly gaining a legendary status in adaptive
skiing. The skier has defied all odds and become a true inspiration for those who feel that they have been dealt a hard hand by God.
Tyler “T-Dog” Walker was missing much of his spine at the time of his birth. To further add to his misfortune, he had no control over his legs. That resulted in an operation at the age of 4 where the doctors had to amputate both his legs. However that was
not enough to drown the T-Dog’s spirit. He started skiing in adaptive programs at Waterville Valley and Loon Mountain. His talent allowed him to eventually land a place in the New England Disabled Team.
After taking the first significant step towards success in 2006, there was no turning back for Walker. He started climbing his way to the top, showing signs of improvement every time he competed in an event. His persistence and hard work paid off when he
won managed to score the top position in Super G event in Hartford US Disabled Alpine Champs, Brecknridge, in 2007. Another gold medal went to the rising star in the same year but this time in Slalom.
Walker carried his form and confidence to the proceeding years, enabling him to clinch the top slots in various disciplines that he participated in during 2008 and 2009. Some of his achievements include the title in both Slalom and Giant Slalom at the Winter
Park championship held during 2008, and later celebrating a couple of victories in 2009, prevailing in the DownHill event at the IPC World Cup held in Italy.
The exciting athlete diverted his attention to the biggest stage for extreme sports, the Winter X Games. There is absolutely no room for error or slip-up when one is performing in the ESPN hosted event. Conquering the contest is the last proof anyone needs
about the athletes’ excellence and superior skills. Tyler Walker unquestionably perfect for such a platform. His complete domination in the mono skiing contest has left little doubt in people’s mind regarding the number 1 mono skier in the world. T-Dog’s first
gold came in 2007. Missing out on the top slot the next year, he ended up second. However the pro has been retaining is spot at the top ever since, emerging as victorious in 2009-10.
The 23-year-old skier is all set to compete in the upcoming Winter X Games, celebrating their 15th anniversary, starting from the 27th of January at Aspen, Colorado. His intentions are quite clear. He intends to dominate. The Mono Skier X athletes do not
shy away from admitting that Walker is the guy they are looking to beat. He’s fast, furious, fearless and well trained. He has not shown any mercy to his competitors in the preceding years and he absolutely has no intention of suddenly giving up on this habit.
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