Driven to Ride: The True Story of an Elite Athlete Who Rebuilt His Leg, His Life, and His Career

by Mike Schultz, Matt Higgins, David Wise (Foreword)

A high-octane memoir of unflappable determination from an X-Games and Paralympics champion.

When "Monster" Mike Schultz won snowboarding gold in Pyeongchang, South Korea, it was the culmination of a decade of reinvention, in every sense of the word. Ten years earlier he'd lain bleeding on the side of a mountain after a devastating snowmobile accident. Now he stood tall on the Paralympic podium, supported by a prosthetic knee and foot of his own creation.

Driven to Ride chronicles Schultz's improbable journey following a lifesaving amputation. From a place of debilitating pain and depression, he tapped into the same sense of adventure that had once taken him to the top of competitive snowmobile racing and followed it to the pinnacle of an entirely new sport: adaptive snowboarding.

As he launched himself into the world of adaptive sports, Schultz's ambition was only tempered by his need for better equipment—prostheses that could withstand the vibrations of a motocross bike or the impact of rough terrain. His obsessive tinkering, without any formal engineering background, has presented yet another new path designing innovative prostheses for athletes and wounded military veterans.

Inspiring and thrilling in equal measure, this is a singular story of uncommon strength, ingenuity, and seizing golden opportunities.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2024

Reviews

[Laura Radniecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Schultz has one heck of a story, and this book is a glimpse into what the last 13 years have been like for him. I am in no way an elite athlete or someone who thrives on adrenaline or competition, but reading Mike’s story made me feel like I was on those snocross courses and snowboard slopes with him. Well written, honest, inspiring, and honoring the contribution and sacrifice of his wife Sara too, this memoire is worth the read.

[Lara Parkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously inspirational!

[Bill Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book was inspiring in what can be done and achieved after one’s body has been through so much trauma. I wish every amputee had the same access to such prosthetics, but knowing how expensive they are, I’m sure makes it very prohibitive for lots of people. I’m also sure that mentally, many people are not up to the struggle, nor perhaps have the family support system to make it easier. I can’t imagine the struggle, but this book helps me understand better. For the squeamish, perhaps the beginning part of the book may be difficult to read, but, it very much sets the stage for the difficulties that had to be overcome by the author (and many others who have lost limbs).

[Ellen Thielen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow this young couple's journey from a life altering injury to a successful career. An inside look at the racing industry. First snowmobiling, and dirt biking, to snowboarding after the amputation of his leg above the knee. Yes, you read that right! A must read for sure!

[Brenna Huckaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an incredible story.