Redefining Disability

Lera Doederlein was 14 when she underwent amputation of her legs to ultimately help improve her mobility and gain some independence. Within six months, she would give sled hockey a try. She now plays for the San Diego Ducks as well as the National Women’s Sled Hockey Team. But recently, multi-sport Paralympic medalist Oksana Masters also encouraged her to give Nordic skiing a try. She now finds herself also training and competing with the U.S. Paralympic Nordic Ski Team.

Kelli Ann Stallkamp has played sled hockey for the Columbus Blue Jackets Sled Hockey Team and the USA Women's National Sled Hockey Team. She started lifting weights as part of her cross training and fell in love with that sport. She now has a goal of representing Team USA and USA Para Powerlifting at the Paralympic Games

Byron Branch was an elite able-bodied foil fencer. While on duty as a police officer, he was struck by a car along Interstate 75 in Ohio just before the holidays in 2016. After that accident, Branch had his right leg amputated. Less than 2 years later, he would win gold in his first-ever wheelchair fencing competition and is now aiming to represent Team USA at the upcoming Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Army Veteran Tony Drees would survive the deadliest missile attack of the Gulf War. But in February 2018, the Purple Heart recipient’s right leg was amputated at the hip due to complications from his wounds. That year, he would learn how to ski as an amputee. Now, skiing is his jam. Drees uses his love for skiing and adaptive sports as a way to engage others.