even if it was the one thing you live for in this world? you wouldnt try to keep doing it when hindered in such a way? we all have the one thing in our lives that as a hobby or as a love we do not want to live with. why is this different?
That makes him a junkie not a hero, in my opinion. I understand that many people have the initial reaction of admiring what he did. Think about it from a slightly different perspective and he's just some guy who had to work extra hard to be able to do a highly dangerous leisure activity that he really enjoys.
The hero to me is some guy who does stuff for other people... Simply overcoming adversity can be inspirational, but in my opinion overcoming great adversity to continue doing a high-risk leisure activity is more dumb than inspirational. Think of what he could have done with that drive if he'd spent the same energy doing something productive instead of trying to finish killing himself.
Again, it's his choice and I wouldn't dream of criticizing him for his choices even if I personally think it's a dumb thing to do. But I'm not going to use him for inspiration, as an example to follow, or hold him up as a hero for others to emulate, for all the reasons I've already stated. If he'd done something worthwhile after breaking his neck, yea he'd be a total hero to me. Going back down the mountain and doing the flip again is a neat trick but that's about it.
Of course, I am not an amputee and I'm not paralyzed. I understand that a lot of people who face severe physical challenges would be more inspired by what he's done, mastering a physical activity in spite of his physical condition. It still seems kind of dumb and frankly I'd be more impressed if he came up with a better way for guys in wheelchairs to wipe their butts. I'm not being sarcastic at all, that's HARD and a terribly demoralizing thing to struggle with. As a guy with a painful and limiting back injury myself, I understand how demoralizing such injuries can be. But going back to do a ski jump... Impress me by putting that effort into something noble and then I'll be inspired. This guy just spent a lot of energy overcoming barriers that were preventing him from trying to kill himself again.
edit: I just finished a painful daily 20 minute session in traction hanging upside down on an inversion table, so I can continue to work to support my family. I'd be a freaking retard if I took the progress I've made through painful daily rehab and therapy, and risked it all for a joyride off of a ski jump. Or started hiring myself out as an advanced aerobatic flight instructor just because it's the most fun thing I can think of doing after I get out of the military. That's just stupid and dangerous. I've already suffered my life changing injury doing the one thing I love to do. Time to grow up, and I made my "final" decision to grow up about 6 months ago when I finally got my back injury treated. I guess I'm not impressed in part because of the choices I've made and continue to make, as an adult with responsibilities.
