Judi Island, Paralympian

It’s been a long ride for Judi Island who has become an accomplished rider since a motor vehicle accident 20 years ago when she suffered a C-3 spinal cord injury (Incomplete Quadriplegia) that left her paralyzed below the neck.  Told that she would never walk again, she left the hospital in a wheelchair after 12 months and turned to therapeutic riding to improve her strength and mobility.

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My life changed in an instant In January '93, when our vehicle lost control on 'black ice', I sustained a C-3 spinal cord injury (incomplete quadriplegia) and initially was totally paralyzed below the neck.

 

                    One year later when released from hospital I started therapeutic riding with the help of a leader and and               two side walkers. Six years of commitment, determination and learning how to compensate for my 

                    limitations, I qualified with my horse, Gitano, for the Canadian Para Equestrian Team. I have become become         an accomplished rider representing Canada in 6 International competitions including the 2004    

                    Athens Paralympics bringing home 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze medals.

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                    My doctors are quite amazed at the progress that I have made and continue to make. I have    

                    surpassed beyond the expectations of the medical specialists.

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‘Believe in your dreams and make choices that lead you to them. It is attitude that can achieve the impossible.’