WINTER PARK, Colo. — Kyle Moxley lives life in the fast lane. But he exudes almost a sense of serenity, as he blissfully blasts down the mountain at Winter Park.
"I'm not thinking about the past, I'm not thinking of anything," Moxley said. "I'm just having fun, and I'm seeing what's in front of me and letting my legs and my arms and my skis and poles do what they need to do, and I can just be free."
It wasn't always this way. Moxley served in the Army as an infantry specialist in the beginning of the Iraq War. In 2004, his life was changed forever.
"We were on our way home back to the base and we were ambushed. I remember this was it -- that time and my time."
He was injured by a roadside bomb. Shrapnel hit his right arm almost taking it completely off. He was then transported to San Antonio, Texas where the medical professionals saved his arm from amputation by taking nerves from his right leg. Unfortunately, he lost function in his right leg. He had to begin limb salvage rehabilitation and decided to focus on being active again.
"Early on, I was in a very hard mental place, trying to learn who I was again and what I could do and what I couldn't do."
After moving to Colorado, Moxley was introduced to skiing, and eventually found the competitive team at National Center for the Disabled (NSCD) at Winter Park, who helped him become an adaptive ski racer.
"It definitely gave me a sense of purpose, gave me a pathway to help others. It's been a way to really get to the core of individuals and help them," he said. "I think that's really important in everyday life."
Eight years later, Moxley is on the Team USA Para Alpine Development Team, and is working toward his goal of joining the Team USA Paralympic team. His message to others still living in darkness is clear.
"There's always a way forward. It may feel like you're walking in sand, but there's a lot of people that can pave the path. Let them," he said. "Let them help you. And then start paving that path for others. I think that's important in today's world."
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