Wheelchair Athlete Makes
Skateboarding History

He accomplished a mid-air, 180-degree turn and, at the age of 14, also became the first person in history to do a back flip somersault in a wheelchair.

In a recent interview, Aaron discussed his record breaking back flip with Dr. Gene Emmer of NewDisability.com and shared that it took about 50 or 60 jumps into cushions before he attempted a jump onto a ramp.

Then after another 15 further attempts, sometimes resulting in getting knocked out, the wheelchair athlete he managed to make a successful landing. Since then he has accomplished about 20 to 25 successful back flips.

Other skateboarders have tried to make the jump but, according to Aaron, have not gotten the full rotation even into the foam cushions.

Aaron’s jumps have been costly. He has broken his elbow and gotten more than a few bumps and bruises, as can be seen in a video by and documents some of the tricks he has accomplished.

John Box of Colours Wheelchairs, Aaron’s sponsor, said, "Everyone at Colours is proud of Aaron. We are his biggest fans. Aaron works very hard to be the best. We are working closely with Aaron to further develop the Boing! suspension wheelchair so Aaron can keep pushing the limits."

When asked about the many hours of practice Aaron responded, "I don’t think of it as practice, I think of it as a fun way to live my life." See the full interview with wheelchair athlete Aaron Fotheringham at NewDisability.com.

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