OverHerd at Deer Valley: S3, E5
From Paralympic Gold to Inspiring the Next Generation
Published February 28, 2025
In this episode of OverHerd at Deer Valley, host Kaylin Richardson sits down with Chris Waddell, one of the most decorated Paralympic skiers of all time, a Hall of Famer, and an advocate for adaptive sports. Chris shares his incredible journey—from his ski racing days at Middlebury College to the life-changing accident that led him to become a 12-time Paralympic medalist.
We also explore his passion for storytelling, motivational speaking, and his role in Deer Valley’s Ski with a Champion program, where he helps guests experience the mountain in a whole new way. Plus, Chris reflects on his historic climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, his work with One Revolution, and even his experience getting married at Deer Valley.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Short on time? Dive into our podcast highlights at a glance!
ONCE AN ATHLETE, ALWAYS AN ATHLETE
Chris Waddell describes himself as an athlete first, despite being a former competitive skier. His journey proves that athleticism isn’t just about competition—it’s a mindset of pushing limits, striving for excellence, and constantly improving, no matter the circumstances.
FROM EAST COAST SLOPES TO PARALYMPIC GLORY
Chris grew up skiing on small mountains in Massachusetts before competing at Middlebury College in Vermont. A life-changing accident in 1988 shifted his path, but it never changed his passion for skiing. Instead, it ignited a new mission to master mono-skiing and compete at the highest level.
TURNING TRAGEDY INTO PURPOSE
Instead of dwelling on his accident, Chris saw it as an opportunity. Inspired by adaptive skiing pioneer Diana Golden, he set his sights on returning to the slopes, proving that barriers exist only to be broken.
DEFYING EXPECTATIONS ON THE SLOPES
Chris didn’t just aim to be the best in his category—he wanted to be the fastest mono-skier in the world. In Lillehammer 1994, he achieved that goal, clocking the fastest downhill time among all mono-skiers, regardless of classification.
EXCELLENCE IN BOTH SUMMER AND WINTER SPORTS
Not content with just dominating in skiing, Chris also competed in wheelchair racing at the Summer Paralympics, proving that adaptability and determination can translate across sports. He even won a world championship and a Paralympic medal in the 200-meter race.
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO: A TEST OF HUMAN POTENTIAL
Chris made history as the first nearly unassisted paraplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro using a hand cycle. His journey was about more than personal achievement—it was a statement to challenge perceptions of disability and inspire others to redefine their own limits.
THE POWER OF MENTORS
From Diana Golden to Jim Martinson, Chris credits the pioneers before him for showing what’s possible. Their influence helped shape his belief that representation matters and that pushing boundaries benefits future generations.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PURPOSE AND PASSION
Chris emphasizes that the hardest thing he ever did wasn’t competing—it was retiring. Without competition, he struggled to find direction. His lesson? Purpose fuels motivation, and having a goal—whether in sports, career, or personal growth—is essential to moving forward.
SKIING IS A TEACHER AND A COMMUNITY
Through Deer Valley’s Ski with a Champion program, Chris shares his love of skiing with others, proving that the sport is about more than competition. It’s about connection, storytelling, and personal growth—both on and off the slopes.
WHAT’S NEXT? HEALTH, STORYTELLING, AND INSPIRING OTHERS
Now, Chris is focused on staying healthy, sharing stories, and continuing his advocacy for adaptive sports. Through his foundation, One Revolution, and his work with NBC's Paralympic coverage, he remains a champion—not just on the slopes, but for people everywhere who need a push to believe in their own potential.
SKI WITH CHRIS OR FOLLOW HIS STORY
Chris Waddell’s story is a testament to resilience, courage, and pushing past perceived limitations. Whether skiing, climbing mountains, or speaking on stage, he continues to inspire others to redefine what’s possible. If you ever get the chance, book a ski day with him through our Ski with a Champion program at Deer Valley—you won’t regret it!
To learn more about Chris, visit his foundation at OneRevolution.org or follow him on Instagram @ChrisWaddell_LivingIt. And don’t forget to subscribe to "Overheard at Deer Valley" for more inspiring stories.
rich-text, responsive-table
In this episode of OverHerd at Deer Valley, host Kaylin Richardson sits down with Chris Waddell, one of the most decorated Paralympic skiers of all time, a Hall of Famer, and an advocate for adaptive sports. Chris shares his incredible journey—from his ski racing days at Middlebury College to the life-changing accident that led him to become a 12-time Paralympic medalist.
We also explore his passion for storytelling, motivational speaking, and his role in Deer Valley’s Ski with a Champion program, where he helps guests experience the mountain in a whole new way. Plus, Chris reflects on his historic climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, his work with One Revolution, and even his experience getting married at Deer Valley.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Short on time? Dive into our podcast highlights at a glance!
ONCE AN ATHLETE, ALWAYS AN ATHLETE
Chris Waddell describes himself as an athlete first, despite being a former competitive skier. His journey proves that athleticism isn’t just about competition—it’s a mindset of pushing limits, striving for excellence, and constantly improving, no matter the circumstances.
FROM EAST COAST SLOPES TO PARALYMPIC GLORY
Chris grew up skiing on small mountains in Massachusetts before competing at Middlebury College in Vermont. A life-changing accident in 1988 shifted his path, but it never changed his passion for skiing. Instead, it ignited a new mission to master mono-skiing and compete at the highest level.
TURNING TRAGEDY INTO PURPOSE
Instead of dwelling on his accident, Chris saw it as an opportunity. Inspired by adaptive skiing pioneer Diana Golden, he set his sights on returning to the slopes, proving that barriers exist only to be broken.
DEFYING EXPECTATIONS ON THE SLOPES
Chris didn’t just aim to be the best in his category—he wanted to be the fastest mono-skier in the world. In Lillehammer 1994, he achieved that goal, clocking the fastest downhill time among all mono-skiers, regardless of classification.
EXCELLENCE IN BOTH SUMMER AND WINTER SPORTS
Not content with just dominating in skiing, Chris also competed in wheelchair racing at the Summer Paralympics, proving that adaptability and determination can translate across sports. He even won a world championship and a Paralympic medal in the 200-meter race.
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO: A TEST OF HUMAN POTENTIAL
Chris made history as the first nearly unassisted paraplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro using a hand cycle. His journey was about more than personal achievement—it was a statement to challenge perceptions of disability and inspire others to redefine their own limits.
THE POWER OF MENTORS
From Diana Golden to Jim Martinson, Chris credits the pioneers before him for showing what’s possible. Their influence helped shape his belief that representation matters and that pushing boundaries benefits future generations.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PURPOSE AND PASSION
Chris emphasizes that the hardest thing he ever did wasn’t competing—it was retiring. Without competition, he struggled to find direction. His lesson? Purpose fuels motivation, and having a goal—whether in sports, career, or personal growth—is essential to moving forward.
SKIING IS A TEACHER AND A COMMUNITY
Through Deer Valley’s Ski with a Champion program, Chris shares his love of skiing with others, proving that the sport is about more than competition. It’s about connection, storytelling, and personal growth—both on and off the slopes.
WHAT’S NEXT? HEALTH, STORYTELLING, AND INSPIRING OTHERS
Now, Chris is focused on staying healthy, sharing stories, and continuing his advocacy for adaptive sports. Through his foundation, One Revolution, and his work with NBC's Paralympic coverage, he remains a champion—not just on the slopes, but for people everywhere who need a push to believe in their own potential.
SKI WITH CHRIS OR FOLLOW HIS STORY
Chris Waddell’s story is a testament to resilience, courage, and pushing past perceived limitations. Whether skiing, climbing mountains, or speaking on stage, he continues to inspire others to redefine what’s possible. If you ever get the chance, book a ski day with him through our Ski with a Champion program at Deer Valley—you won’t regret it!
To learn more about Chris, visit his foundation at OneRevolution.org or follow him on Instagram @ChrisWaddell_LivingIt. And don’t forget to subscribe to "Overheard at Deer Valley" for more inspiring stories.
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