Joakim Marksten is a Norwegian athlete who suffered severe back injury in 1999 skiing at snow bird, utah. he was paralyzed from the waist and down. He works with my best friends father and is a living proof that your life does not have to be miserable even if you are paralyzed. he's an active golfer, he plays at least four times a week (his handicap is 18!!) and he is so active with everything else he does. apparently he tried slalom once, but it was so soon after the accident at the time that he didn't feel comfortable doing it. my friend has told me that he probably will try it again some day though. he completed his education after the accident and now has a successful career. at his job, he's the one who always gets the others out for a friday night beer, he is so social and embraces life. he was treated at the same institution that lars veen is training at now.
I am so impressed by his will and strength to lead a life as close to normal as he possibly can. he doesn't let his handicap stop him from fulfilling his goals and settle with the thought that nothing can be done. he's a true inspiration.
seeing as our sport and some of the most leading athletes of newschool skiing has suffered this season with several serious injuries, I see joakim's story to be an inspiration and a guidance on how to make the best out of every situation. just see how well cr is doing for example: everything is possible.
this was the only article I found about his injury on english, everyone should read it.
http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost/sports/archives/spo.hall.skier.html
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