Meet Evan Strong, and stay tuned for ways to join BriarPatch in supporting this local hero as he trains for the 2014 Sochi Paralympics. In an unlikely start for one of the world’s best snowboarders, Evan Strong grew up on the waves of Maui, seldom wearing shoes, let alone snow boots. At age eleven he broke his surfboard and couldn’t afford a new one. A friend gave him an old skateboard, so he took to “riding the waves” of concrete, and by thirteen had landed his first sponsor. He then set his sights on a career as a professional skateboarder. Over the next few years he began to win events — and win often — and by 17 he was ready for the pro ranks… until his accident.
Running late for work one day, he borrowed his sister’s motorcycle and was hit by a drunk driver. Three days later, his left leg had to be amputated.
“My recovery was one of the most challenging times of my life, but I knew I was young and had a lot of living left to do,” said Evan. “I wasn’t ready to give up all these things that I loved to do … so I just told myself that I wouldn’t. I would find a way to ride again.”
Evan soon connected with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and there, he was able to find inspiration for his recovery by seeing fellow amputees accomplish great things in sport. From there he developed a passion to help others faced with similar physical challenges. He has since become an active mentor of youth and adult amputees in partnership with Adaptive Action Sports (AAS) and CAF.
Always hungry for a new challenge, Evan grew interested in snowboarding, so he moved to our neck of the woods, where he found his true passion.
Since moving to Nevada County, Evan has become the dominant athlete on the adaptive snowboarding circuit. He is the 2012 FIS World Champion, the 2011-12 Overall World Cup Champion, and an X-Games Gold Medalist. He is undefeated in World Cup competition. While Evan’s short-term goal is to represent Team USA and win the gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Paralympics, his ultimate goal is to win the U.S. Snowboarding National Championship Title.
Evan is a passionate enthusiast of organic, raw foods. He attributes his recovery to the combination of a live food diet and his strong athletic drive. He and his family run The Fix restaurant in Nevada City.
Posted on May 31, 2013 by BriarPatch Co-op Community Market
Running late for work one day, he borrowed his sister’s motorcycle and was hit by a drunk driver. Three days later, his left leg had to be amputated.
“My recovery was one of the most challenging times of my life, but I knew I was young and had a lot of living left to do,” said Evan. “I wasn’t ready to give up all these things that I loved to do … so I just told myself that I wouldn’t. I would find a way to ride again.”
Evan soon connected with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and there, he was able to find inspiration for his recovery by seeing fellow amputees accomplish great things in sport. From there he developed a passion to help others faced with similar physical challenges. He has since become an active mentor of youth and adult amputees in partnership with Adaptive Action Sports (AAS) and CAF.
Always hungry for a new challenge, Evan grew interested in snowboarding, so he moved to our neck of the woods, where he found his true passion.
Since moving to Nevada County, Evan has become the dominant athlete on the adaptive snowboarding circuit. He is the 2012 FIS World Champion, the 2011-12 Overall World Cup Champion, and an X-Games Gold Medalist. He is undefeated in World Cup competition. While Evan’s short-term goal is to represent Team USA and win the gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Paralympics, his ultimate goal is to win the U.S. Snowboarding National Championship Title.
Evan is a passionate enthusiast of organic, raw foods. He attributes his recovery to the combination of a live food diet and his strong athletic drive. He and his family run The Fix restaurant in Nevada City.
Posted on May 31, 2013 by BriarPatch Co-op Community Market
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