As winter begins to thaw in the United States, Sochi prepares to host the Paralympic Game, the event that gives those with disabilities a chance to show off their athletic skills. Adams graduate Jamie Stanton will be competing this week in four different Paralympic Skiing events.

Q: What events will you be competing in?

JS: I will be racing in the Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G, and Super Combined.

Q: Which event is your favorite and why?

JS: Giant Slalom is my favorite. I believe I’m currently ranked eleventh in the world. It’s a very technical event, but at the same time it’s very fast. I believe it involves the most skill and has the most risk and reward opportunities. Which means if you take a chance it can either really help you or really hurt you.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to try to qualify for the Paralympics?

JS: I made the decision when I was a junior in high school, after I won the Michigan Adaptive Sports State Championship by eight seconds.  Most races are separated by tenths, if not hundredths, of a second. I got a call from Erik Petersen saying that I had something special and he would like me to come out to Colorado for a training camp with the Paralympic team.

Q: What is training like?

JS: Training has been tough with the rigorous schedule that we are on, but there’s no better feeling than knowing that you have a chance to be the best in the world.

Q: How does it feel to be representing your country?

JS: It’s an incredible honor to be able to represent Team USA. I believe the United States Olympic Committee has done a great job preparing my team and me for the games. I’ve always wanted to be able to represent my country, and now to do it on the largest stage in the world is an absolute blessing.

Q: What is the most difficult thing you have had to overcome?

JS: The most difficult thing I’ve had to overcome is adapting to my training schedule. It’s tough to be limited on what you eat and when you need to be in the gym or on the mountain. Now that I have adapted to it, I feel it has made me an incredibly strong individual.

Q: Who has been most influential person throughout your journey?

JS: The most influential people have been my family. My mom, dad, brother, and sister have all been such a huge part of my success. They are always rooting for me, no matter where I am and no matter where I finish in my race. They have always been my number one supporters; I’m very lucky to have such a great family behind me.

Q: What would you tell everyone about trying to accomplish their goals?

JS: I would tell them that the only disability in life is a bad attitude. Anything that you put your mind to, you can achieve. Set your goals high and go after them. Never hold anything back.