Life after paralysis for world BMX champion Sam Willoughby | Ride | ABC Australia
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- VIEWER ADVICE: Discretion is advised for viewers with photosensitive epilepsy.
World BMX champion Sam Willoughby was at the top of the sport when one wrong move in a training session resulted in a new reality - life as a tetraplegic.
A chance meeting with legendary NASCAR Crew Chief, Bootie Barker, who became paralysed at age 20, inspires a defeated Sam to grasp life in a whole new way.
Watch Sam’s inspiring story in the new documentary “Ride” on ABC iview: ab.co/RideABC
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Watch Sam’s inspiring story in the new documentary “Ride” on ABC iview: ab.co/RideABC
Aussie and want to watch this but blocked for overseas viewers . . .
As a professional motocross/Supercross racer I broke my neck practicing in 2002 at the C3, C4, C5 and C6 vertebrae and now live life as a quadriplegic. Life can change in less than a second and in my own mind, I died that day... But I have 2 parents, a sister and a few good friends that care about me so now I live life for them. It may seem strange to most but I’d give anything to be a paraplegic! Keep your head up Sam and take it day by day.
🙏🙏🙏
It's not over yet buddy. The medic care is developing like crazy. Musk invests into chip technology. I am 100 f'n% sure you will walk again one day
Life is very fragile. It can happen to anyone. I had some close calls many times while riding my bike. I am over 55 and still going strong.
Oh wow. I'm so sorry. It doesn't seem strange at all to give anything to be a paraplegic instead of a quad. I get it. If you can breathe on your own though and have any arm movement, that is huge. I hope you can make the best of your life and still find enjoyment. All the best to you. ❤
You say you died that day, and then you say you would give anything to be a paraplegic. I don’t understand.
This is such an amazing story. Bootie is the man. He’s good people. Dude you got this. Gunna be hard but your harder.
Keep your head high and be super proud of who you are and what you have accomplished..you go Sam
Great story. Wishing you the best Sam!
how could u dislike this...
Love sam ,one of the best to ever do it❤
hits me hard still, as i was a bmxer. great sport to get into, scotty cranmer has a great story to tell aswell, much love to you buddy x x x x
Great people great video thank you for posting 🔥 💪 💯
Wow! What a legend, bigger legend then ever.
life isn't a BED OF ROSES! it's one second of " JOY" a lifelong commitment to endure BS ,
That’s awesome
Much Love Sam ❤️
God bless you mate 🙏🏻
Wow thats amazing. Thank you.
Legends.
whoa
Unfortunate but these people has plenty of support from family n society as a whole, many other people, disabled or not, dont have that help.
I am 61 years old. On April 8th 2018 I had a stroke that left me paralyzed on my right/dominant side. I was basically a new born child and even had to learn to talk again. Wheelchair and the whole shabang. I had an open heart surgery 6 months later. I am not a quitter but, depression can get you down if you let it ! I need to watch videos like this to Keep the Fire Burning !
I wish all the best for you 👍
I wish you well. Sounds like your half way there with your positive attitude. Im sure you’ll do it.
Focus on the good - even when it’s hard, there is always good
hope you're doing well.
I’m recently paralyzed and I can’t relate more to his mindset I feel the same way.
Same
Good luck stay strong :) Also Neuralink conférence end of the month. Hopefully some major breakthroughs in the coming years 👍
Wishing the best for you sir
Well done mate, I had a major incident recently and I have gained wait and lost motivation. I need people like you and others to teach me that I should not waste my time in life. thanks. Good luck on your journey.
So sorry to hear, hope you are doing well
When you have an injury like this, you need to realize, life doesn't have to be the way it was, it just needs to be happy and productive, and getting there is an incremental process.
I agree. It might seem a harsh statement what you wrote to many, but I feel the few that have had such a life changing event, truly understand.
This is not just a risk for professionals. I broke my neck mountain biking. Three of my friends broke their necks, too. One of those died. Ride within your abilities.
What sort of mtb riding did you and your friends do? Jumps?
@@Ian-59-MTB Jumps, drops, rock garden. Rode out in Santa Cruz, CA.
I needed this, it is so inspirational. These guys are paralyzed from the waist down and more active than me. I am struggling to get back on my feet after being unemployed for a couple months. These hero’s will remind me that I can do it if I put my mind to it.
Dude allow me to give an advice that changed my life that sounded like your story.
You're not in this world to fulfill anyone's expectations. And nobody is in this world to fulfill your expectations. Only thing you gotta do is to keep your word. If you don't keep your word that's the formula for loneliness and longterm failure.
That's what changed my life. Nothing more nothing less
Same here, unemployed since summer, and also dealing with chronic health issues…but I can move all my limbs so there’s no excuse.
@@Jaecht88 God put us here for a reason... what about His expectations for His purpose of bringing us into this world?
Mate. Nothing lasts for ever. Good or bad. Hang in there.
After a wee bit of an allergy in the eye, watching Bootie and Sam's story frames things in a different light. Inspirational.
never wee in the eye. 🤣
How did a bit of wee get into your eye?
@@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns he looked down when his Johnson was looking up
yea, i'm too tough to cry so this strange water coming out of my eyes must be an allergy too!
A simple fall in my driveway broke my C4-C6 and became a quadriplegic about 18 months ago. My husband took it all in stride and does everything I ask of him.
When he was talking about how exhausting it is to dress yourself, I felt that in my soul! I feel like I have run a marathon after getting up for the day, bathroom breaks are now an hour long, because not only do I not really feel my bladder but getting on and off the toilet isn’t the funnest thing. My husband literally put grab bars EVERYWHERE in our house to help me be as independent as possible.
Now I’m just waiting to win the lottery so we can get a car I am able to actually get in and out of. One day!
The Ford E series vans probably the blandest thing on the road in white. The older 2V Triton with the E4OD are a great combo especially when care for.
Start a GoFundMe for the car.
@@vickiefinney6073 This. A lot of people don't want to ask for help and it's unfortunate because this is exactly what GoFundMe was made for.
You sound fearless. Good luck to you.
Dude I'm 51. I raced BMX from 1986 until 2001. I miss it. I dream of being on a bike.
I have so many emotions watching this. I know we have never shook hands but we're family. My heart is broken by your injury.
Keep fighting to regain what you can. We live in a time of sciences that are on steroids. New discoveries on spinal chord research are so close.
I am speaking for everyone that's ever been on a gate. We love you buddy🇨🇦❤️
This could have been a half hour episode at least. I wanted to see more. Glad to see he is doing so well now after a devastating injury.
It is an hour and a half long program on ABC. It's a doco called 'Ride' available on ABC iView if you live in Australia.
This is an excerpt from a documentary titled Ride (which is 90 minutes long). You can find the link to this in the description box.
I usually read comments like this and I think: condensending. But man I'm sooo with you. I'm about to Google his story.
You can watch the full story on iView: ab.co/RideABC
Time moved on since this was shown, how are you doing now Sam? Thank you for sharing your story.
I had the pleasure of racing when Sam was. One of the most humble guys you could meet and fierce competitor. True inspiration to many. Keep up the good fight Sam bmx🤟
Attitude is everything. Super proud of seeing this man find his way again. FTW Sam, you got this!
I simply refuse to take such risks... It is unnecessary. Rationalizing severe risks is quite the excercise.
Our sport can really come with a high price tag. Scotty Cranmer had to go through similar. Very rough, but the fight back from adversity like this has become part of our sport.
I have known Sam indirectly for a while and it has been such an impressive story to follow over this period in his life
This is awesome 👌. Keep on going young man!
I have seen so many people who become arrogant and proud (in a bullying kind of way) because of their abilities, both physically and academically. Life can change in an instant. Always stay humble and kind.
Modesty is the finest virtue.
Amazing!! Felt deeply moved by this personal, inspirational, story of life, love, determination and the power of purpose...
I go to the skatepark every single day and I doodle around. I wear pads and a helmet but I totally forget that that can not be enough sometimes and I can get really hurt in a split second. As someone who rides, your accident will not go in vein. I will respect the danger involved more because of you. Bless you dude!
Huge props to the guy for changing perspective and turning his life in a different direction
when I watch people taking extremely high risk, I am amazed at the skill and more impressed with the idea that they are not afraid to try the stunts, I always wish them well, but I have to say I don't want them to do the high risk stunts since it inspires more people to try them, and more accidents can happen. I hope that makes sense
I have seen several cases of BMX riders becoming paralyzed from doing dangerous stunts.They are throwing their lives away doing these stunts
I am not paralyzed.
I am less than 1 week released from hospital after a life changing motorcycle accident.
I needed to see this today it answered some things I hadn't even questioned.
I hope you are doing better. What happened?
All the best for you! Be patient but strive forward.
What a legend. I'm in awe of Sam & Bootie.
I hope stem cell research reaches a point that spinal injuries can be repaired. Having had a herniated disc pinch on a nerve and put my legs out of action for a few days. It’s terrifying, I can’t imagine how I’d feel if that had been permanent.
Wow!! Truly an unfortunate accident. HOWEVER THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE EXAMPLE how an outside person, a stranger, can say something to a person in dire need spiritually AND it's a life changing meeting for the person in need. INCREDIBLE.. Thank You for sharing and GO FOR IT 1000% 💪💪💪💪
His story was hard to hear. It's never what an athlete wants to face. I couldn't imagine how difficult and life-changing this is for anybody who is paralyzed. I pray all of you have a blessed, happy, and safe holiday season. Xoxo
I am so fearful of breaking my neck. When my neck should last 80+ years, extreme sport is not an option to me.
It might be a lot of fun to swirl through the air, but real life is without quick saves.
I found this video looking for words to say to a friend who has ended up in exactly this situation. Truly inspirational!
What happened to your friend ?
Please send them this video
Awesome story, go for it Sam, looking forward to seeing what you achieve. Bootie is a legend and needs to be elevated. 🤘
That`s the risk you`re willing to take doing something like that kind of sport or climbing the mountain, isn`t it?.. I mean, you`re probably die or become desables constantly doing this sooner or later, so ppl get what they want TBH. Could`ve live life in a different way, it`s their choice, it`s not a road accident that happens beyond your will, so it`s not that I really can relatet to this
That is a pity for you! By the way, your words sound very harsh.
The problem is, even if you stay at home on the couch for fear of hurting yourself outside, you will suffer physical limitations quite soon. Many people do cycling or climbing and stay healthy that way. Especially if you slowly increase the demands and remain careful and cautious using proper safety equipment. Very few get seriously injured doing it (except in extreme sports). For me, life would not be worth living without climbing, mountain biking, etc.
I'm not into injurys but I also want to enjoy my life. So far I get it done, biking and climbing more or less "extreme" for over 20+ years.
Stay strong bro. I had accident on motorbike, wasn't my fault. Lost all function in my left arm plus chronic pain due to nerve damage. It's not easy but we cannot give up. Never give up.
A wonderful person, instrumental in our local DH scene (a scene which had spawned many international competitors and an EWS champion) sustained a spinal injury relatively recently. I know life is different for her, but the most important metric was seeing her smile at the pub yesterday on her wild arse Bowhead. Lots of love Polly!
I raced 45 yrs!! Bmx was EVERYTHING to me!! All my family and son raced!! I had to drop out of the Waterford Oaks Nationals during practice and straight to an Operating table for stomach surgery! I was septic and didn't know it!! Over the last 6 yrs I've had 5 stomach surgeries and 2 illiostomy bags from Crohns!!! Both my parents died! Sister killed in a car accident and brother died of a Heartattack!! My son Frankie who raced Bmx since 5 yrs old died of a Drug Overdose at 26 yrs old!!! I COMPLETELY LOST MY MIND AND WILL TO LIVE!!! I prayed to Jesus Christ in the hospital after they took a softball size mass out of my stomach and told me it was Cancer!!!! I asked Jesus to help me and I had NO CANCER!!! I pray everyday and the Lord is EVERYTHING!!! Be safe Jesus Christ loves you!!! God bless you!!! Frank Balazs
Ive got shivers watching this.. and watching how Booty changed everything for you Sam. What an inspiration the pair of these two men are! ❤
#MaximumRespect Thank you for sharing this. Immeasurably inspirational🙌
Looks like he met the right person at the right time!
Stick with it Sam. Be proud of yourself, your inspiring to many in all sorts of ways.
Geez, when you take life for granted and in a blink of a eye it alters everything you’ve learned and you have to start again,that’s tough for even the strongest of minds.
What suggested he took life for granted?
I look after many people in the early days of these life changing injuries brother, some give in and never regain a sense of living or a fulfilling life and that’s really sad. Once you accept the injury and adapt, you can rise again, I hope your story inspires others to get strong, you are still Sam as you say and you’ve chosen the difficult route, well done brother
What a bloody legend!!
When you’re young we push our bodies too much. It’s something we do in the West.
Seems like Bootie gave a Sam a bit of a kick up the arse! Best wishes big guy, life is what you make it, keep smashing it.
Awesome story! Love the attitudes! Keep going and help others❤
Hey Sam , as a former BMX racer (80/90),you know what it’s like to be a champion, from the first time you sat on the gate and it dropped,I wish you the same feeling every time you pull your self up and go ,most people will never know that feeling,dig in your in it for the long haul , you have a ton of support, I’m not gonna lie a set back is just that , you know the feeling of some one on your back wheel , never look back , your focus is on that finish line , a champion knows that felling, you know what I’m talking about 🙏🏽🙏🏽👍🏽
Well said Kevin Silverthorn👏
I need to tell myself this every single day NEVER EVER GIVE UP , Well done Sam 👏
Ummmm I want more! More of this story!
Watch the full documentary here: ab.co/RideABC
It all begins with attitude, when that's right everything starts to fall into place. Big up young man!
Oh go away you haven't got a clue
play with the bull sometimes you get the horns....
I just watched RIDE on abc Iview, it was excellent. Shed a few tears. What a special family.
Hi Sam
Best wishes Spartan. It took me three months to be able to feed myself after a sporting injury. That was 38 years ago. Enjoy living champ.
You set achievable goals and work harder than you ever have in your life. That's what keeps your mind focused moving forward rather than looking back in apathy. Go get em!
Both gentlemen truly inspiring.❤
More people need to hear this story. Truly inspiring.
This is the " worse" in the - In sickness and In health, For Better or For Worse part of the vows. Everyone only ever wants to focus on the better, but now their job as a couple is to make a new "better".
Huge respect to these gentlemen. I can’t even begin to imagine the daily struggles yet to show up and get it done because that’s the only way to move forward in life 🙌🏼
God bless you
Be strong Sam your an inspiration too others, thinking of you, love from the UK. XXX
Man if you are bouncing back and getting on the bull again like you are It amazes me. Youve just inspired me to get moving again . Thank you sir !
I know so many bikers who had serious injuries. Mostly BMX, Downhill, ... they make jokes about how much metal they already have in their bodies.
Do what you love, but keep in mind that your body is not indestructible and carry the consequences afterwards.
i am not paralyzed but suffered a lower back sprain and felt like this dude, back at square one, I want to believe this vid came across my timeline for a reason, to never give up and keep pushing
This must be added next week for pinkbike movie Mondays!
This kind of story is so important for people to watch. God Bless Sam and everybody who has either gone through, or is going through the very difficult recovery process, following a major injury.
I just watched "Ride". What an absolutely heart-warming story. I had goosebumps watching it. I wish Sam and Alise nothing but love and best wishes for their future together ❤️
It is truly incredible to see the reaction to someone achieving exactly what the entire world warned them about. Think of all the parents that told their kids "you're not doing that, you'll end up paralyzed or even dead".......Think of the percentage of all the BMX, Skateboarding, Snowmobiling, and Racing drivers who have ended up seriously hurt or dead BEFORE this poor dude ended up paralyzed. It's really sad that people don't use stories like this to understand the real choices that people make. The risk of an activity is part of that choice.
bless this man.
Always medicate yourself by creating something, music, artwork, computer stuff, anything. Just make something. It's your best medicine.
After everything tetep mateni wong? Wong ki susah payah pora!!!!?
God damn this is so inspiring, I play hockey and mountain bike and sometimes think about what I'd be like if I ever had a life altering injury similar to this and I'll concede it's not good but now seeing this I really need to adjust my mindset
Everybody needs to watch this!
Nice was on my pitty potty with a cracked rib bringing me down.
This is a good wake up call!!
Man up!! Thanks!!
This could be inspirational to a lot of people. Unfortunatelly the background music is so loud, it makes it difficult to understand the spoken word, especially for non native english speakers.
If you don’t show the crash say it in the thumbnail, I wasted 5 mins of my time going through your video waiting to see the wreck, but you never showed it!!!!
My wife is hemiparuplegic following a stroke when she was 28. She’s the strongest human being I know. She can do anything and everything except accept the words "you can't". Out of pride I brag she can thread a needle, it sounds silly, but you try doing it just using one side of your body.
A few years I was talking to someone who had a major neck injury. She got to the point where they said you have to do so many months more of rehab, and she decided that she wanted more. Contacted university residential colleges, and in return for lodging and meals she tutored students, and that got her on the way back.
So inspiring he was lucky he met the right guy at the right time and changed his whole mindset and perspective 🎉 i want to do that too
I'm currently bedridden have been for a few years now but I'm going to over come these disabilities and get out
And yet we have a culture that ideolizes dangerous behavior, not in the service of others or community, but for personal fame. It lies deeply within the human psyche for some. For others, caution prevails, and desires for achievement don't center around the physical.
Human diversity.
Best wishes to all in your recovery. Science is improving the aspects for nueral repair year by year. May the breakthrough be imminent.
I think the story could have been told without the excessive dramatics cuts and imagery (the ambulance, generic 911 call, etc.). The viewer is going to understand the impact and experience of the story on it's own. Focus more on telling the story instead of selling drama and emotion. Let the viewer interpret emotion without literal, abrasive reminders.
Thank you for the perspective. I deal with DDD and had a 2 level cervical fusion when I was 44. I will face more at some point and my biggest concern is becoming a paraplegic simply from any fall or accident.
Racing motorbikes I've seen several mates go through it, they all have an awesome attitude like him, I can't pretend to know what it's like, but I see with my own eyes how successful my mates have become, just not at racing motorbikes, although 1 guy I raced with (didn't know him well) but he went on to compete at a state level and ended up winning, but he's a psycho...
It's very sad and I hope he can somehow recover. Elon Musk neurolink may be able to fix such injuries. Unfortunately when you do extreme sports like this death or paralysis is the risk. People who do it should look carefully at this story and think if it's worth it...
must be so tough. i thought i had it bad, my lower right leg totally ripped off in a motorbike crash 4 years ago, i think im lucky really could have been dead. The Nascar guy was great...good luck for the future,,,,,,u will get strong
Things go south when you mentally paralyze yourself. I would know, I've been through that for decades and always found a way to pick myself up by the bootstraps in the face of a system that aggressively strives to make us dependent.
Dam, I'm impressed…and need some expresso! Well done mate, never stopped being an athlete, just changed sport.
He is and will always be a champ and a legend. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours and I know he will succeed
To anyone with daily lil problems think about these guys.. I can't complain one bit...