Kevin Michael Connolly

It was January and I was flipping through channels and found the Winter X Games. What made me pause is something I didn’t expect in such an extreme sporting event. It was Mono Skier Cross. What’s most eye catching about this, is that most networks, at least in the U.S. steer clear of sporting events involving people with disabilities.

The race debuted at the Winter X Games in 2005 and became a medal event in 2007. The Mono Skier Cross is now a centerpiece of the Winter X games, the first global sporting event to include disabled athletes.

A mono ski is a bucket seat on a metal chassis with shock mounted on a single alpine ski with hand outriggers for balance. The average mono ski weighs about 50 pounds.

During the 2010 Paralympics some of these same X-Games athletes will be competing in Downhill, Super-G, and Slalom skiing.

Kevin Michael Connolly competed at the most recent X-Games and brought home the Bronze. In a previous year he garnered a Silver. At 24 years old, he is looking for Gold at the 2010 Paralympics.

The reason I say he is the one to watch, is not only is he from the U.S., not only is he a great athlete, but he also has a drive of ambition. Born without legs, he gets through the day mostly on his skateboard. Don’t pity or don’t call him a role model, just watch the skill he uses on the hill.

You can also catch this recent college graduate in his book: Double Take A Memoir. He gives you a look into his life and into some photos he took while traveling the globe. Kevin may or may not be used to getting stared at, but he’s got his own twist on it now. While touring, he would take photographs of people staring at him. The photographs were part of a traveling exhibit which garnered much praise.

I’m glad the X Games have pulled all athletes together. One day, maybe the Olympics will include all athletes instead of having a separate Paralympics.

Photo from: kevinmichaelconnolly.com

UPDATE: OK, So I had some wrong information. I had thought Kevin was going to compete at the Paralympics this year, but he has corrected me. Thank you. But I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of this great athlete. Check out his webpage to keep up with his latest endeavours. He also commented and left a link to all the other U.S. athletes that will be competing. Congrats again on the X Games Kevin!