John Cardiel

Originally from Sacto, California, John Cardiel is a professional skateboarder. His fast and energetic style, skill, integrity and positive attitude have made him one of skateboarding’s greats. He was awarded Thrasher Skater of the Year in 1992.

Around 2005, John Cardiel suffered a severe spinal injury while on tour in Australia. He could not recall the incident but he remembered waking up in a hospital bed, not being able to feel his legs. His father and friends told him that a truck had run him over and severely injured his spinal cord. Basically, he was a paraplegic. The doctors and people at the hospital told him he would never walk again but he proved them wrong. Not only has he started to walk again, he has started to get back into skateboarding. John Cardiel still feels pains in his legs but he is pushing his limits to his full potential.

John Cardiel is my hero because he showed the world that nothing is impossible. His positivity and faith pulled him through his injury. He did not just accept the fact that he was a paraplegic, but he challenged it. He pushed himself to his full potential. John Cardiel’s attitude and life are very inspiring.

Q: How do you keep such a positive attitude?

A: I think it's just faith. Just knowing that you're gonna pull it. It's like skating. If someone says, "You're never gonna make that trick," and you're like, "I'm gonna make it," you keep trying until you make it.

FS air at Ripon (http://www.thrashermagazine.com/index.php?SCREEN=interview_cards)

Sources: http://www.skateboardermag.com/skateboarder-news-features/features/UBcardiel/ http://skate.vans.com/RID_PRO06.html http://www.thrashermagazine.com/index.php?SCREEN=interview_cards