Nick Fairall

Ski

Andover, NH

On January 5th, 2015, Nick was competing in the Ski Jumping World Cup in Bischofshofen, Austria. During qualifications, Nick had a great jump that would have qualified him for the round; however, due to the wet snow conditions, his skis stuck in the snow immediately upon landing. As a result, his center of gravity and balance were thrown forward, and upon impact, Nick was certain that he had broken his back. Medical personal arrived immediately to Nick’s aid and rushed him to the local hospital, where he underwent emergency spinal surgery within two hours after the crash.

Following surgery, Nick was told he had sustained an L-1 fracture dislocation, which was fixed during the surgery. However, due to the compression of his spinal cord, he lost the use of his legs – The body parts that allowed him to compete in the sport that he has truly loved for 20 years, and allowed him to become an United States Olympian.

“I AM.”

High Fives has provided:

Living Costs at Residence Inn during out-patient treatment at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey, Shower, Commode Chair and Adaptive Hand Controls from Online Retailers, Training with Jack Powell at the CR Johnson Healing Center and a Trip to Mississippi for the High Fives Adaptive waterski Camp at Unlimited Skiing, a Trip to Chico, CA for the 2016 High Fives Adaptive waterski Camp, Acupuncture with Vitality Primary Care and Massage with Karen Stubbs. 2015 – Living Costs, Travel Expenses, Z4 Hand Controls, Training with Jack, Adaptive Waterski. 2016 – Training w/ Jack, Massage, Acupuncture, Skiing. 2017 – Program/Competition Fees for Waterski World Champs. 2019 – Funding towards a Top End Force RX Handcycle Roadbike.