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Biography
Impairment information
Type of Impairment
Vision impairment
Origin of Impairment
Acquired
Classification
B2
Guide
Kurt Grimmelmann, USA
Further personal information
Family
Children Ewan and Imogen
Residence
Winter Park, CO, USA
Occupation
Athlete, Veteran
Languages
Arabic, English
Higher education
Economics - University of Colorado: Boulder, CO, USA
Sport specific information
When and where did you begin this sport?
He began Para skiing in 2011 at a United States Association of Blind Athletes [USABA] ski camp in Breckenridge, CO, United States of America. He initially competed in Para Nordic skiing, before switching to Para alpine skiing in 2014.
Why this sport?
"I love the speed and rush that comes with alpine skiing. It allows me to go fast while still being in complete control of myself, not many things allow me to do that as a visually impaired individual."
Club / Team
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club [AVSC]: United States
International debut
Year
2017
Competing for
United States
Tournament
World Cup
Location
Aspen, CO, USA
General interest
Hobbies
Hiking, camping, cycling, computers, shooting. (teamusa.org, 07 Mar 2018)
Memorable sporting achievement
Competing at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi. (Athlete, 12 Jul 2016)
Sporting philosophy / motto
"Whatever life throws at you, you can adapt and overcome it." (IPC, 10 Feb 2018)
Other sports
He competed in cross-country skiing and biathlon at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi. (Athlete, 12 Jul 2016)
Impairment
In 2010 he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa while on active duty with the US Navy. (IPC, 10 Feb 2018; Athlete, 12 Jul 2016; teamusa.org, 10 Feb 2014)
Other information
FURTHER EDUCATION
He has studied hotel administration at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, NV, United States of America, and applied computing at the City University of Seattle in Washington, United States of America. (teamusa.org, 07 Mar 2018, 16 Jun 2017)
VETERAN
He served with the US Navy as an Arabic linguist from 2001 to 2010. He retired on medical grounds in February 2011. (Athlete, 12 Jul 2016; teamusa.org, 10 Feb 2014)
He has studied hotel administration at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, NV, United States of America, and applied computing at the City University of Seattle in Washington, United States of America. (teamusa.org, 07 Mar 2018, 16 Jun 2017)
VETERAN
He served with the US Navy as an Arabic linguist from 2001 to 2010. He retired on medical grounds in February 2011. (Athlete, 12 Jul 2016; teamusa.org, 10 Feb 2014)
Results
| Unit | Date | Rank |
|---|
| Event | Medal | Unit | Date | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's 7.5 km Visually Impaired | Final Round | 2014-03-08 | 16 | |
| Men's 20 km Visually Impaired | Final Round | 2014-03-10 | 10 | |
| Men's 1 km Sprint Visually Impaired | Qualification | 2014-03-12 | 14 | |
| Men's 15 km Visually Impaired | Final Round | 2014-03-14 | 12 | |
| 4x2.5 km Open Relay | Final Round | 2014-03-15 | 9 | |
| Men's 10 km Visually Impaired | Final Round | 2014-03-16 | 15 |
| Event | Medal | Unit | Date | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Downhill VI | Race 1 | 2017-01-25 | 6 | |
| Men's Super-G VI | Race 1 | 2017-01-26 | 5 | |
| Men's Super-Combined VI | Race 1 | 2017-01-28 | 5 | |
| Men's Giant Slalom VI | Race 1 | 2017-01-30 | 7 | |
| Men's Slalom VI | Race 1 | 2017-01-31 | 6 |
| Event | Medal | Unit | Date | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Downhill Visually Impaired | Final | 2018-03-10 | 7 | |
| Men's Super-G Visually Impaired | Final | 2018-03-11 | 9 | |
| Men's Super Combined Visually Impaired | Final | 2018-03-13 | 5 | |
| Men's Giant Slalom Visually Impaired | Final | 2018-03-14 | 9999 | |
| Men's Slalom Visually Impaired | Final | 2018-03-17 | 9999 |
| Event | Medal | Unit | Date | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Giant Slalom VI | Race 1 | 2019-01-21 | 9999 | |
| Men's Slalom VI | Race 1 | 2019-01-23 | 6 | |
| Men's Downhill VI | Race 1 | 2019-01-30 | 4 | |
| Men's Super-Combined VI | Race 1 | 2019-01-31 | 7 | |
| Men's Super-G VI | Race 1 (from SC) | 2019-01-31 | 6 |