MERRILL-NATIVE JIM WAZNY WINS SNOCROSS SILVER
SAGINAW – Wright & Filippis prosthetic technician JIM WAZNY (Merrill, MI) stunned the extremity-sports world this past Sunday (Jan. 31), capturing the silver medal in the first-ever Adaptive SnoCross event at the ESPN Winter X Games 14 in Aspen, CO.
Wazny, 39, passed a number of talented riders to post an impressive time of 5:52.852, narrowly edging Doug Henry (5:34.217) for second place. Professional rider Mike Schultz claimed the gold medal in 5:18.403.
“What an amazing honor it is to win the silver medal at the first Adaptive SnoCross at X Games 14,” said Wazny. “For disabled athletes to be recognized by ESPN and the other organizers of the X Games is truly an awesome accomplishment.
“The experience of being with all the high-profile athletes in the world is mind-blowing,” he said. “To win the silver medal at X Games is a dream come true, and it proves that all things are possible if you are willing to put in the hard work.”
Wazny, who also competed in motocross at the Summer X Games in Los Angeles last August, is also an annual competitor in the Extremity Games which are staged each summer at various sites throughout Michigan.
“This experience at the Winter X Games has also confirmed for me – and this may sound strange – that losing my leg back in 2000 has helped me become a better person.”
A motocross accident in April of 2000 resulted in the loss of his left leg above the knee. For the past four years, Wazny has worked at Wright & Filippis in pursuit of becoming a prosthetist. He is very active in the company's AmpuTeam program, which helps amputees return to pursuing their dreams and leading the most active life possible.
"I don't believe I would be where I am today if I hadn't lost my leg," Wazny said. "It was a blessing in disguise. If I’m able to help one person by inspiring them to achieve their goals, all the hard work that I put in is worth it.”
Wazny also serves on the board of directors for the Athletes with Disabilities Network which hosts the Extremity Games (www.extremitygames.com) and the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame (www.adhof.org).
Wright & Filippis is a Michigan-based healthcare company specializing in prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory care services, and home medical equipment and supplies. Founded in 1944, Wright & Filippis is the state’s largest full-service home healthcare provider. The company’s 36 state-wide offices include locations in Saginaw, Flint, Lapeer, Owosso, Cass City and Bad Axe.
MEDIA NOTE: Jim Wazny can be contacted directly by calling (989) 239-1449.
