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Paraplegic Conquers Catalina Channel
By Miki Fairley Don't think about what you can do--think about what
you want to do. And start trying to do it.
 This is Jason Pipoly's philosophy, and he lives by
it. For over three years, Jason trained three hours a day, six days
a week, to become the first paraplegic person to swim the Catalina
Channel--21 miles from Los Angeles Harbor, California, to Catalina
Island. And on September 4, he achieved his goal.
Paralyzed as a result of a car accident in 1998, Pipoly, 32,
refused to let this setback derail his dreams. The San Antonio,
Texas, resident has long been an ardent swimmer. In 1982, Jason at
age 11 became the youngest person to attempt to swim the English
Channel, a 21-mile course between England and France. He fell just
four miles short after swimming 17 miles in rough, whitecap water
for eight hours.
 Jason faced formidable odds in his Catalina
challenge. Strong currents, rough waves, and freezing cold water
greeted him as he got underway. Rules forbid the use of a wet suit,
so cold was a problem. Paralyzed at the T-8 level, Jason can't move
his trunk and head from side to side, so he uses his powerful arms
to propel himself through the water.
Things improved when Jason hit warmer water, although strong
waves and wind continued their attack. Cheering him on were the
boat crew, including his sister Gina and Hanger Orthotics Director
Kaia Halvorson, CPO, LPO.
Staying hydrated enough was a problem, Jason said. "It was hard
to give me enough fluids. Toward the end that started taking its
toll." The longer-than-expected swim took 18 hours. Around 3 AM, as
Jason continued thrusting through the dark water and the boat crew
dozed, a pod of dolphins joined the swimmer for about an hour,
lightening his spirits at the amazing sight.
Although strong currents forced him to abandon the return trip
after about six hours, Jason is happy about his feat, and he hopes
that his accomplishment will inspire others to go beyond their
perceived limitations.
"Challenges are often a matter of our perception," he said. "If
we stop perceiving them as challenges and see them as something
necessary to achieve our goals, they will be easier to overcome,
and we can reach our potential." He gives the example of swimming:
"It might be hard to do in the beginning, but if you do it each
day, after a while you're not going to perceive it as being hard.
You're going to perceive it as being normal."
When back on land, Jason has hugely been enjoying his Fillauer
reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) from Hanger Prosthetics &
Orthotics, his sponsor. "I can't say enough good about it!" he
exclaimed. "It stretches my muscles more, makes my bones stronger,
and helps me physically in a lot of other ways. It also has been a
tremendous boost psychologically to be able to stand up, walk
around, and look people in the eye. I don't think RGOs are promoted
enough."
What is Jason planning for the future? "I'm looking at maybe
trying to qualify for the open swimming event in the Paralympics in
Greece," he said. "I need to see how the times are, how I compare
with other swimmers. And there are also several other swims I'd
like to compete in."
Jason Pipoly has certainly achieved an impressive "first" with
his Catalina triumph--which likely will not be his last! 
Table Of Contents - February 2004
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