Dressed up and ready to go!!
It takes drive to get what we want in “Life”. Drive and practice, practice, and more practice. I was watching the X-Games and I am a Fan! A fan of the sports, the talent, and the Pros! I have loved watching and must share with you my Top Pros!
Ashley Fiolek is a 19 year old Motocross Racer that started racing since she was 7 years old. Her ambition has all ready led her to win gold medals in both X-Games that she has competed in (2009 and 2010). Fiolek has broken pretty much every bone you can think of, her wrists, collar bones, you name it she has broken it! Her desire to race and her willingness to compete makes her one force to be reckon with! Did I mention she is deaf?
Fiolek has learned to ride in a different kind of way. Unlike us who can listen and know when to shift on a dirt bike; Fiolek has learned to shift through the vibrations of the bike! Driven and focused and positive! When asked: “How is being deaf a disadvantage in this sport?” Fiolek responded: “Being deaf is actually an advantage, it allows me to remain focus and I don’t have to deal with the crowd noise!” It was amazing to see Fiolek win the Gold!
My other Motocross Racer that was amazing to see in person is: Jeremy Stenberg! I had the honor of seeing Jeremy compete in the Red Bull Competition last summer and the tricks that he can do on that Dirt Bike are amazing! He is a Father, a Husband, a Professional, and a Role Model. Jeremy can ride that Dirt Bike like a pro regardless of his “Twitch” a nickname he has earned due to his battle with Tourette Syndrome.
Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome since he was eight years old. That has not stopped him from winning the Bronze Medal this year in the X-Games and SO SO many in the past! “Twitch” has earned his spot in the top FMX Racers of today and regardless of the risks he faces, he rides in a such a fearless state that his tricks are truly amazing!
No excuses stopped Ashley or Jeremy of accomplishing their dreams or pursuing their passions! Ashley and Jeremy simply faced adversity and prevailed! Prevailed to the status of X-Games SuperStars!
True Role Models that remind us everyday that there is no limit to what we can accomplish! No excuses! Jeremy and Ashley didn’t have an excuse to “life” they had a mission to succeed! Congrats to both!
Who is your favorite athlete? Are you an X-Games fan? Ashley Fiolek is on Twitter and you can follow her now!
@AshleyFiolek67
For more on Ashley Fiolek: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Fiolek
For more on Jeremy Stenberg: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Stenberg
Thanks for sharing. One of my best friends growing up had Tourette’s. We spent many times protecting him from the constant harassment he faced throughout school. Very cool to see Jeremy channel his efforts. That’s awesome and I love his nickname.
Thanks Todd!! I have been a Fan of “Twitch” for a long time! I have seen him win and his bio on MTV! I love that he has found a true passion to inspire so many of us! I am sorry to hear about your friend but how nice that he friends like you!
It was amazing to see Fiolek win the Gold! (DEAF) NOW THAT IS AWESOME…
“Twitch” (Tourette’s) has earned his spot in the top FMX Racers of today
People like Fiolek & Twitch really show what can be done!
I had a friend in High School in Alice Springs that had Fits… He was NOT allowed to drive a car BUT that never stopped him riding his Motorbike… in ENDURO’s or whatever… Problem was when he went BLANK! who knows where he ended up.. At least These people give it their best.. It’s a pity able bodied people don’t ALL DO THE SAME… Hopefully they hear of these stories and make an effort too. RICH :0)
A wonderful post Francis , to be disable does not mean to not be productive ! i know so many people in my place have skilled them hobbies more than the normal people !
Congratulation to all those enthusiast
How inspiring Francis!! Thank you so much for putting this great blog post together. Its a wonderful reminder that indeed, “there are no excuses” especially for us able bodied people out here. No excuses for not finding our passion and chasing it down “like it’s the last bus of the night”!
I agree with you Richard I love the way that Ashley and Jeremy are setting the example of excellence!
Great post.
Very inspiring stories about some really strong people.
Thanks!
The Franchise King®
what a wake up call to those of us with no disabilities who are whining about things we can’t do, etc….like me. I need to get up off my arse and be grateful for all that I have and what I can do! so inspiring!
MWAH!
I agree Erin!! It is great to reminded that we have no excuses!! Love your comments!
Thank You Joel! Very Very strong people and watching them is pure talent! I am a true fan!
Agree Melody “No Excuses”
It is great to see real examples of people who actually inspire others by overcoming challenges such as these. Often, people will complain about things that in reality are trivial when you compare it to the big picture. Beethoven overcame his deafness and prevailed as he also learned to use vibrations in order to write music. This is such an inspiring post! Thank you, Francis, for taking the time to remind people to appreciate the things that most of us take for granted.
So, when do we go racing?
Wow, I love your blog! You just lifted my (sagging) spirits! Throwing you in my reader for sure!
Awesome Francis! I’m totally inspired! When I start whining I’ll remember this post & stop!!!
Hey girl!
GREAT post! Reminds me of ESPN’s inside the lines – stories about great athletes that are great not only because they’ve been blessed with talent but because they’ve overcome challenges. Love it!