Life after paralysis for world BMX champion Sam Willoughby | Ride | ABC Australia

[@abcaustralia]

Watch Sam’s inspiring story in the new documentary “Ride” on ABC iview: ab.co/RideABC

[@bmxracinginjapan]

Aussie and want to watch this but blocked for overseas viewers . . .

[@dannysalzer770]

As a professional motocross/Supercross racer I broke my neck practicing in 2002 at the C3, C4, C5 and C6 vertebrae and now live life as a quadriplegic. Life can change in less than a second and in my own mind, I died that day... But I have 2 parents, a sister and a few good friends that care about me so now I live life for them. It may seem strange to most but I’d give anything to be a paraplegic! Keep your head up Sam and take it day by day.

[@Lee-mx5li]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Davinhomx]

It's not over yet buddy. The medic care is developing like crazy. Musk invests into chip technology. I am 100 f'n% sure you will walk again one day

[@Hour882Die]

Life is very fragile. It can happen to anyone. I had some close calls many times while riding my bike. I am over 55 and still going strong.

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

Oh wow. I'm so sorry. It doesn't seem strange at all to give anything to be a paraplegic instead of a quad. I get it. If you can breathe on your own though and have any arm movement, that is huge. I hope you can make the best of your life and still find enjoyment. All the best to you. ❤

[@pippipster6767]

You say you died that day, and then you say you would give anything to be a paraplegic. I don’t understand.

[@Get7Out7ofthe7Boat]

I am 61 years old. On April 8th 2018 I had a stroke that left me paralyzed on my right/dominant side. I was basically a new born child and even had to learn to talk again. Wheelchair and the whole shabang. I had an open heart surgery 6 months later. I am not a quitter but, depression can get you down if you let it ! I need to watch videos like this to Keep the Fire Burning !

[@bobbyboko6317]

I wish all the best for you 👍

[@karyne826]

I wish you well. Sounds like your half way there with your positive attitude. Im sure you’ll do it.

[@MrHappy3feet]

Focus on the good - even when it’s hard, there is always good

[@jglg7238]

hope you're doing well.

[@alexcopen5878]

I’m recently paralyzed and I can’t relate more to his mindset I feel the same way.

[@matet1906]

Same

[@lpb3731]

Good luck stay strong :) Also Neuralink conférence end of the month. Hopefully some major breakthroughs in the coming years 👍

[@AAAskeet]

Wishing the best for you sir

[@FesteringRatSub]

Well done mate, I had a major incident recently and I have gained wait and lost motivation. I need people like you and others to teach me that I should not waste my time in life. thanks. Good luck on your journey.

[@kerik9512]

So sorry to hear, hope you are doing well

[@lenBrill1971]

Dude I'm 51. I raced BMX from 1986 until 2001. I miss it. I dream of being on a bike. I have so many emotions watching this. I know we have never shook hands but we're family. My heart is broken by your injury. Keep fighting to regain what you can. We live in a time of sciences that are on steroids. New discoveries on spinal chord research are so close. I am speaking for everyone that's ever been on a gate. We love you buddy🇨🇦❤️

[@LordHaveMercyOnUs247]

I needed this, it is so inspirational. These guys are paralyzed from the waist down and more active than me. I am struggling to get back on my feet after being unemployed for a couple months. These hero’s will remind me that I can do it if I put my mind to it.

[@Jaecht88]

Dude allow me to give an advice that changed my life that sounded like your story. You're not in this world to fulfill anyone's expectations. And nobody is in this world to fulfill your expectations. Only thing you gotta do is to keep your word. If you don't keep your word that's the formula for loneliness and longterm failure. That's what changed my life. Nothing more nothing less

[@ASUS_spades]

Same here, unemployed since summer, and also dealing with chronic health issues…but I can move all my limbs so there’s no excuse.

[@RemnantDiscipleLazzaro-Rev1217]

@@Jaecht88 God put us here for a reason... what about His expectations for His purpose of bringing us into this world?

[@kymnewman7323]

Mate. Nothing lasts for ever. Good or bad. Hang in there.

[@LeftThumbBreak]

When you have an injury like this, you need to realize, life doesn't have to be the way it was, it just needs to be happy and productive, and getting there is an incremental process.

[@chronicfish]

I agree. It might seem a harsh statement what you wrote to many, but I feel the few that have had such a life changing event, truly understand.

[@Scottiedowawa]

After a wee bit of an allergy in the eye, watching Bootie and Sam's story frames things in a different light. Inspirational.

[@ddssrr1614]

never wee in the eye. 🤣

[@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns]

How did a bit of wee get into your eye?

[@amielterence]

@@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns he looked down when his Johnson was looking up

[@Unfluencer]

yea, i'm too tough to cry so this strange water coming out of my eyes must be an allergy too!

[@AndrewUnruh]

This is not just a risk for professionals. I broke my neck mountain biking. Three of my friends broke their necks, too. One of those died. Ride within your abilities.

[@Ian-59-MTB]

What sort of mtb riding did you and your friends do? Jumps?

[@AndrewUnruh]

@@Ian-59-MTB Jumps, drops, rock garden. Rode out in Santa Cruz, CA.

[@EngleRacing]

I had the pleasure of racing when Sam was. One of the most humble guys you could meet and fierce competitor. True inspiration to many. Keep up the good fight Sam bmx🤟

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

This could have been a half hour episode at least. I wanted to see more. Glad to see he is doing so well now after a devastating injury.

[@triarb5790]

It is an hour and a half long program on ABC. It's a doco called 'Ride' available on ABC iView if you live in Australia.

[@donna25871]

This is an excerpt from a documentary titled Ride (which is 90 minutes long). You can find the link to this in the description box.

[@Capius1272]

I usually read comments like this and I think: condensending. But man I'm sooo with you. I'm about to Google his story.

[@abcaustralia]

You can watch the full story on iView: ab.co/RideABC

[@deniselancaster6888]

Time moved on since this was shown, how are you doing now Sam? Thank you for sharing your story.

[@LifewithSerg]

Attitude is everything. Super proud of seeing this man find his way again. FTW Sam, you got this!

[@ReesieandLee]

A simple fall in my driveway broke my C4-C6 and became a quadriplegic about 18 months ago. My husband took it all in stride and does everything I ask of him. When he was talking about how exhausting it is to dress yourself, I felt that in my soul! I feel like I have run a marathon after getting up for the day, bathroom breaks are now an hour long, because not only do I not really feel my bladder but getting on and off the toilet isn’t the funnest thing. My husband literally put grab bars EVERYWHERE in our house to help me be as independent as possible. Now I’m just waiting to win the lottery so we can get a car I am able to actually get in and out of. One day!

[@crazeguy26]

The Ford E series vans probably the blandest thing on the road in white. The older 2V Triton with the E4OD are a great combo especially when care for.

[@vickiefinney6073]

Start a GoFundMe for the car.

[@littleripper312]

@@vickiefinney6073 This. A lot of people don't want to ask for help and it's unfortunate because this is exactly what GoFundMe was made for.

[@mattkeller5388]

You sound fearless. Good luck to you.

[@peejayem4700]

Huge props to the guy for changing perspective and turning his life in a different direction

[@garymcintyre8431]

More people need to hear this story. Truly inspiring.

[@bassic6959]

I have known Sam indirectly for a while and it has been such an impressive story to follow over this period in his life

[@jonalexander2918]

This kind of story is so important for people to watch. God Bless Sam and everybody who has either gone through, or is going through the very difficult recovery process, following a major injury.

[@Alex-Defatte]

I go to the skatepark every single day and I doodle around. I wear pads and a helmet but I totally forget that that can not be enough sometimes and I can get really hurt in a split second. As someone who rides, your accident will not go in vein. I will respect the danger involved more because of you. Bless you dude!

[@JustaguynamedNick]

Sam, you’re an inspiration! I’m 24 and dealing with chronic pain from a broken L3 and a untreated C1/C2 injury. It’s easy to give up on your goals when you’re in pain. Thank you for not giving up!

[@seanprice2990]

I just watched "Ride". What an absolutely heart-warming story. I had goosebumps watching it. I wish Sam and Alise nothing but love and best wishes for their future together ❤️

[@sjj7236]

I just watched RIDE on abc Iview, it was excellent. Shed a few tears. What a special family.

[@DonLee1980]

bless this man.

[@ecast1500]

when I watch people taking extremely high risk, I am amazed at the skill and more impressed with the idea that they are not afraid to try the stunts, I always wish them well, but I have to say I don't want them to do the high risk stunts since it inspires more people to try them, and more accidents can happen. I hope that makes sense

[@lindymcdonald8945]

I have seen several cases of BMX riders becoming paralyzed from doing dangerous stunts.They are throwing their lives away doing these stunts

[@RobalLdz]

Stay strong bro. I had accident on motorbike, wasn't my fault. Lost all function in my left arm plus chronic pain due to nerve damage. It's not easy but we cannot give up. Never give up.

[@suehenry3245]

Amazing!! Felt deeply moved by this personal, inspirational, story of life, love, determination and the power of purpose...

[@wheeltrouble]

Our sport can really come with a high price tag. Scotty Cranmer had to go through similar. Very rough, but the fight back from adversity like this has become part of our sport.

[@mtblover]

This is awesome 👌. Keep on going young man! I have seen so many people who become arrogant and proud (in a bullying kind of way) because of their abilities, both physically and academically. Life can change in an instant. Always stay humble and kind.

[@Igor-ps5cd]

Modesty is the finest virtue.

[@the510wagon]

What a legend. I'm in awe of Sam & Bootie.

[@MbanziSD]

I found this video looking for words to say to a friend who has ended up in exactly this situation. Truly inspirational!

[@agnsprinting]

What happened to your friend ?

[@revelationtherapy]

Please send them this video

[@chrisvandy3864]

I need to tell myself this every single day NEVER EVER GIVE UP , Well done Sam 👏

[@vinerwe]

Awesome story! Love the attitudes! Keep going and help others❤

[@forddriver8827]

Stick with it Sam. Be proud of yourself, your inspiring to many in all sorts of ways.

[@9catlover]

you have an amazing brother. i am glad he took to you to a Nascar race and opened your eyes. it's so hard for family members to see each other in pain.

[@theway3058]

This is such an amazing story. Bootie is the man. He’s good people. Dude you got this. Gunna be hard but your harder.

[@SkibopDaSequel]

i am not paralyzed but suffered a lower back sprain and felt like this dude, back at square one, I want to believe this vid came across my timeline for a reason, to never give up and keep pushing

[@kevinsilverthorn5235]

Hey Sam , as a former BMX racer (80/90),you know what it’s like to be a champion, from the first time you sat on the gate and it dropped,I wish you the same feeling every time you pull your self up and go ,most people will never know that feeling,dig in your in it for the long haul , you have a ton of support, I’m not gonna lie a set back is just that , you know the feeling of some one on your back wheel , never look back , your focus is on that finish line , a champion knows that felling, you know what I’m talking about 🙏🏽🙏🏽👍🏽

[@acanadianfarmgirl2667]

Well said Kevin Silverthorn👏

[@KemBroVids]

Awesome story, go for it Sam, looking forward to seeing what you achieve. Bootie is a legend and needs to be elevated. 🤘

[@BuffsVintageBikes]

Huge respect to these gentlemen. I can’t even begin to imagine the daily struggles yet to show up and get it done because that’s the only way to move forward in life 🙌🏼

[@tokolosh6467]

It all begins with attitude, when that's right everything starts to fall into place. Big up young man!

[@Crust2013]

Oh go away you haven't got a clue

[@abpob6052]

You set achievable goals and work harder than you ever have in your life. That's what keeps your mind focused moving forward rather than looking back in apathy. Go get em!

[@STTC]

I look after many people in the early days of these life changing injuries brother, some give in and never regain a sense of living or a fulfilling life and that’s really sad. Once you accept the injury and adapt, you can rise again, I hope your story inspires others to get strong, you are still Sam as you say and you’ve chosen the difficult route, well done brother

[@Home.educating.harley]

Ive got shivers watching this.. and watching how Booty changed everything for you Sam. What an inspiration the pair of these two men are! ❤

[@billylane6243]

That was badass!!! I have always and will always be a Sam Willoughby and Alise Willoughby fan! I have followed both careers for the past 15 years and both are legends in the sport of BMX RACING!!! I love their story!!! Amazing people and beautiful family!!!

[@mattpatt]

A wonderful person, instrumental in our local DH scene (a scene which had spawned many international competitors and an EWS champion) sustained a spinal injury relatively recently. I know life is different for her, but the most important metric was seeing her smile at the pub yesterday on her wild arse Bowhead. Lots of love Polly!

[@cassandrarose2108]

His story was hard to hear. It's never what an athlete wants to face. I couldn't imagine how difficult and life-changing this is for anybody who is paralyzed. I pray all of you have a blessed, happy, and safe holiday season. Xoxo

[@justinpotter5796]

Sam,,wat an amazing human being,,,ur a true inspiration for millions of Australians,,, keep fighting mate,,,were all behind u,,all supporting u,,all thinking of u,,, when thing's get tough use that same tenacity u showed on the track and don't give in,,,my son does BMX because of u,,, you've inspired mullions of kid's in Aus,,, remember u r not alone,, millions of people r in ur corner,,,,stay strong....

[@MrKydaman]

Looks like he met the right person at the right time!

[@westsideway55]

Be strong Sam your an inspiration too others, thinking of you, love from the UK. XXX

[@johndef5075]

Both gentlemen truly inspiring.❤

[@karlsumner5594]

The power of positive mental attitude .

[@tonybruce]

What a bloody legend!!

[@41663]

Man if you are bouncing back and getting on the bull again like you are It amazes me. Youve just inspired me to get moving again . Thank you sir !

[@paraworth]

These dudes are the future of attitude. How inspiring. The new paradigm 🤩

[@peterbennett2167]

Hi Sam Best wishes Spartan. It took me three months to be able to feed myself after a sporting injury. That was 38 years ago. Enjoy living champ.

[@neuronwave]

Sam is such an inspiration and champion. What a humble fantastic fella

[@Robert-cu9bm]

I think bootie is the inspiration.

[@theguardian308]

He is and will always be a champ and a legend. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours and I know he will succeed

[@BrandLmedia]

WHAT A STRONG MAN, MENTALLY AND.....I AM SO IMPRESSED!!!!!!! All love to you, fight for the good things in life, LOVE YOU BRO!! / Sweden

[@steve_____K307]

Thank you Sam. I am certain that I am not the only viewer you have touched through this video. Stay strong.

[@daem3n]

Great story. Wishing you the best Sam!

[@frankbalazs8816]

I raced 45 yrs!! Bmx was EVERYTHING to me!! All my family and son raced!! I had to drop out of the Waterford Oaks Nationals during practice and straight to an Operating table for stomach surgery! I was septic and didn't know it!! Over the last 6 yrs I've had 5 stomach surgeries and 2 illiostomy bags from Crohns!!! Both my parents died! Sister killed in a car accident and brother died of a Heartattack!! My son Frankie who raced Bmx since 5 yrs old died of a Drug Overdose at 26 yrs old!!! I COMPLETELY LOST MY MIND AND WILL TO LIVE!!! I prayed to Jesus Christ in the hospital after they took a softball size mass out of my stomach and told me it was Cancer!!!! I asked Jesus to help me and I had NO CANCER!!! I pray everyday and the Lord is EVERYTHING!!! Be safe Jesus Christ loves you!!! God bless you!!! Frank Balazs

[@kathymurphy7217]

Wow, great inspiration for everyone. Dream high, try hard, love yourself for who you are, be positive and change what you need to move forward (usually attitude). 🇦🇺

[@TheWheelofLife100]

Geez, when you take life for granted and in a blink of a eye it alters everything you’ve learned and you have to start again,that’s tough for even the strongest of minds.

[@OLI-vx1md]

What suggested he took life for granted?

[@lisacoley69446]

AMAZING story! 😊🙏🏼

[@cosmicpuma1409]

#MaximumRespect Thank you for sharing this. Immeasurably inspirational🙌

[@AussieMaskedOwl]

I'm so glad Sam met a fantastic guy like Bootie when he did. What an inspiration.

[@DiscoCatsMeow]

This is the " worse" in the - In sickness and In health, For Better or For Worse part of the vows. Everyone only ever wants to focus on the better, but now their job as a couple is to make a new "better".

[@jonathanhubel3646]

All the best for you. Not giving up and comming back is legendary.

[@Lee-mx5li]

Wow!! Truly an unfortunate accident. HOWEVER THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE EXAMPLE how an outside person, a stranger, can say something to a person in dire need spiritually AND it's a life changing meeting for the person in need. INCREDIBLE.. Thank You for sharing and GO FOR IT 1000% 💪💪💪💪

[@Howling-Mad-Murdock]

Seems like Bootie gave a Sam a bit of a kick up the arse! Best wishes big guy, life is what you make it, keep smashing it.

[@paulk798]

Keep your head high and be super proud of who you are and what you have accomplished..you go Sam

[@doctorsunneschi]

Sam Willoughby and Booty Barker are inspirational people. Thank you for sharing your expieriences🙏

[@manilkasheran2934]

Body bends and breaks but the spirit never dies!

[@royalhooks3943]

You got this dood. You motivate so many others

[@corvettegirl5074]

So inspiring he was lucky he met the right guy at the right time and changed his whole mindset and perspective 🎉 i want to do that too I'm currently bedridden have been for a few years now but I'm going to over come these disabilities and get out

[@lendog203]

THIS was inspiring., THANK YOU for inviting us into the world in which you not only will survive but you'll be kickin' ass; mind, body & soul.

[@johndarcey]

Man, that is so heavy. Followed you for years, Sam. Every day matters.

[@anracingrsr1]

I had multiple heavy injuries, diagnoses and close friends die in the last 4 years. We need more of those vids to see that there is an other worthy way moving forward and a light at the end.

[@benbirch2393]

Sam, you're an inspiration and have your whole life ahead of you. Limitless possibilities and happiness await you!

[@firecrakka]

Sometimes you just need someone that has walked the road you're on... and can show you what possibilities lay ahead if you just keep pushing.

[@mind-numbingtasks1575]

That was a beautiful story. Thanks!

[@awm891]

Alise is such a wonderful and caring human being. Stay strong the both of you.!!!

[@bmxican9274]

Good luck Sam on your recovery. Love to you from michigan.

[@cruzmakaveli9891]

You inspire me Champ. Thank you for this. 🤟💪🙏

[@AdrienneCarolCasteleijn]

Well done on fighting. Success for you and your family. ❤❤❤

[@budweiserthedog4449]

Keep believing you can do this. The body is amazing and so are all of you ❤️

[@kmg2947]

keep your dreams alive. You will make it. Stay strong sam.

[@le_th_]

Wishing anyone in this situation a well of deep determination and perseverance. I honestly can't even imagine how agonizingly difficult this is.

[@jamesmcdonald6047]

Made my Day!!! You keep going brother, you have no limit.

[@ThaPassionPasta]

That’s crazy. I met Sam and Alice at a bmx event sometime ago. It’s hard to hear that happen to anyone let alone another person in the bmx race community. Great to hear that he has a strong goal and will reach it

[@itsonlymeandmaybeyou]

hits me hard still, as i was a bmxer. great sport to get into, scotty cranmer has a great story to tell aswell, much love to you buddy x x x x

[@friendofafriend7299]

Wow! Just amazing resilience!

[@aprilsmith3683]

Your support team are awesome...🇿🇦

[@glassgoat9601]

Glad that the KZbin algorithm sent me this video, inspiring.

[@abcaustralia]

Glad to hear it! Watch it in full here: ab.co/RideABC

[@Unfluencer]

This is the problem i have with people who say theyre depressed or unhappy, for the simple reason they just dont want anything more. this guy wants it all, and i hope he gets it. these are the stories people need to hear. these are the people kids need to meet. these are the lives we should all be living.

[@mattcrowe7600]

Ummmm I want more! More of this story!

[@abcaustralia]

Watch the full documentary here: ab.co/RideABC

[@JohnCoffins]

Sam, ive met you at the grand nationals a few years ago i dont remember the year, ive seen you when you were up and coming and i saw you push your way to the top very quickly. I also was in the practice sessions with alise because i was doing Jr Development races at the time so i met her too. I am half kiwi and i always rooted for marc willers and talked shit about the aussie guy but you are truly the best BMX racer ive ever seen during my time in BMX and i mean that. I remember when you broke the record for most consecutive wins and went far past the record. You pushed harder than anyone else and i dont think anyone will ever be as good as you man. I was shocked when i found out about what happened to you. I hope you and alise are happy. G'day mate! Keep that chin up. You set the standard as the best bmx racer known to man. -jonathan young, little rock 🇺🇸

[@13bro45]

I had the pleasure to meet sam and his brother briefly back in 2013. I was 11 years old and rode my bmx every other day. Turns out the local track i rode was also the track that sam grew up racing on. I remember just riding around and doing a few small jumps and whatever and seeing sam and matt doing the biggest sets at the track with ease. I saw the word 'willoughby' on the back of their racing tees. I was too nervous to go up to them so i asked my dad to approach them for me. They were both really cool and ended up taking a couple photos with me in the middle of sam and matt. I dont think many people have met an olympic gold medalist out in the wild before. Good memories.

[@agenturmindconcepts]

Awesome. Hope you release internationally soon.

[@charlottebezuidenhout2690]

Would love to know more about Sam and how is doing… a follow up would be amazing…very inspiring

[@abcaustralia]

Check out the doco on iView: ab.co/RideABC

[@Ken-er9cq]

A few years I was talking to someone who had a major neck injury. She got to the point where they said you have to do so many months more of rehab, and she decided that she wanted more. Contacted university residential colleges, and in return for lodging and meals she tutored students, and that got her on the way back.