Words by Athlete Manager Landon McGauley
Helping individuals regain independence is essential for reclaiming life after injury, yet true recovery goes beyond restoring physical capabilities. We strive to help athletes reconnect with what truly drives them — the passions that bring purpose, inspire resilience, and make each day worth waking up for.
Whether an athlete is embracing a new sport or rediscovering one they loved before their injury, the joy, pride, and often, emotional release they experience is profound. To witness the transformative effect of returning to these activities fills High Fives with immense happiness.
Recently, High Fives athlete Jimmy Soliz did exactly that in a big way. Growing up, Jimmy had a passion for motocross. In 2008, during a race, he sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury, which took away his ability to walk and temporarily put motocross out of reach. Jimmy devoted himself to his recovery, regaining independence and pursuing new athletic goals. He discovered the thrill of skiing again using a sit ski, proving that life after spinal cord injury could still be fulfilling and adventurous.
However, even with his accomplishments, Jimmy felt a piece was missing. In collaboration with the Motodemption program, he recently returned to motocross racing, reconnecting with the sport that first ignited his drive.
In a triumphant return, not only did he race again, but he also secured a place on the podium. Jimmy’s first moto saw him finish in third, fueled by a strong first race Jimmy worked through his second moto to take second, achieving an overall second place finish. His success on the podium marked more than just a race victory; it represented a powerful homecoming to a lifelong passion.
“I didn’t think I would do that well. I surprised myself with how I rode. It’s basically my 3rd time riding in 9 months and 16 years since my injury. My take away from this experience and race was that I finally got to racing with my Dad again after 16 years. And we have done it together since I was 3 years old so it means a lot to just go racing with my dad and have fun together like we always did before my injury. It felt like life really has come full circle for me. I finally feel like I can move on. Only riding motocross again would do that for me. I love the sport so much. And to think about wanting to ride or having dreams of riding for 16 years post injury and then to actually do it and to race against one of my childhood idols Doug Henry is truly a dream come true.”
Jimmy Soliz, High Fives Athlete # 419
In returning to motocross, Jimmy put a vital piece of his life’s puzzle back in place, showing the powerful role passion plays in healing.
High Fives is unbelievably proud of Jimmy, we knew you could do anything you wanted, and we thank you for bringing us along for the ride!
Happy shredding!
