Soar to Great Heights: Aerial Skier Nikki Stone

There has been much controversy over the sport of aerial skiing as to the safety of the sport and the athletes. Recent deaths in skiing have prompted the IOC to take another look at the safety of this and other sports in the Olympics.

At the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, Nikki Stone became America’s first-ever Olympic Champion in the sport of inverted aerial skiing. What made this performance so unbelievable, was the fact that less than two years earlier, a chronic spinal injury prevented her from standing, much less walking or skiing off a 12-foot tall snow jump that launches aerialists 50 feet into the air.

• An estimated 10-20% of all ski injuries are head injuries. Knee injuries account for approximately 30-40% and spinal injuries are not uncommon, due to the speed of movement and the unpredictability of the surroundings. Shoulder injuries are also common, caused by falls or awkward landings.

We are joined by Olympic and world champion Nikki Stone LIVE on Wednesday November 14^th @ 7PM EST at BEYONDtheCheers on blogtalkradio. Come soar with us. Dial-in TOLL FREE 1-877-357-2448 in Canada and United States to ask a question, or email in advance.