Video: Peaks Of Life

Dec 11, 2013
by Aspect Media  
Peaks Of Life

by aspectmediauk
Views: 31,102    Faves: 267    Comments: 12


Peaks of Life is a short Documentary about UK rider and downhill racer Tom Wheeler. The documentary illustrates Tom's lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process after loosing the use of his right arm whilst racing in Rheola, Wales back in 2011.

Despite paralysing his right arm, Tom's determination and dedication means he's able to do the things he loves most including riding his mountain bike again. A touching story that some may consider a tragedy at first, but with such a great out look of life Tom isn't letting it slow him down.

Wheeler documentary

Wheeler documentary

A Film by:
Chris Seager & Kris Forrest

Images by:
Alex Tyler

Posted In:
Videos


Author Info:
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Member since Dec 24, 2012
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63 Comments
  • 71 1
 Truly inspirational. Great to see him with such a positive attitude towards the whole situation. I think the way the mtb community responded to his accident really sums up the sport. I am proud to be part of it.

I think I saw Tom out in Morzine this summer. (I may be wrong) Anyway, he was riding quicker than the majority.

Respect.
  • 4 1
 Yea injuries can really bring a person down mentally and physically. I was pretty depressed while recovering from a possibly life threatening injury from riding (internal bleeding from a broken rib, which ripped my spleen open). One of the first things I asked the doctors was: will I be able to ride again?? I can't relate to a life long injury like Tom since I made a full recovery, but it really was a wake up call and changes your perspective on life. I really cherish every time I get to go ride and I am sure he does also.
  • 6 0
 Hey I'm just recovering from a ripped up spleen. It was a mess but that and the rest of my injuries are almost back to normal! I don't remember any of the crash, but long story short, I'm im the ambulance headed to the hospital and my mom comes up to me and I ask her" mom, is my bike ok? You have it in the car right? Where you carefull with it?" Haha we get a good laugh out of it now...
  • 3 0
 that was really moving, fantastic little documentary. Tom, you're such a legend mate
  • 7 0
 Very inspirational, but i think the mtb community above all the downhill riders should spend the money for a leatt brace. With one of these it might be not so bad, but it happend and i hope you live your dream on and maybe ride downhill again in the future Smile
  • 6 0
 I'm not sure it would've helped. You can see that his right shoulder gets kind of stuck behind the tree, while the whole body is still flying super fast, carried by its own weight. Not sure a brace would've any useful
  • 6 0
 no one knows if it would help him or not, but neck brace is really good thing i guess! Probably way much better having it than needing it and having it when you need the most.
  • 1 0
 I know. The Leatt is designed to prevent head roll during a crash I.e. stop you breaking your neck, Tom took direct impact to the shoulder which caused damage to his brachial plexus. If Tom had been wearing a Leatt I dread to think what further damage would have been caused. There is no one solution to prevent head, neck or shoulder injuries, if Tom hand landed on his head then yes a Leatt would have hopefully helped, crashing how he did - it may have made things worse.
  • 5 1
 Never give up! Don't listen to anyone who says you can't do something, or shouldn't.. I was told both after I shattered my pelvis. I still may not be able to move my foot. But one day, I WILL! I still ride dh to this day and will never give up on myself. Much respect Tom for being such a strong individual. YOU WILL get your arm back. Stay positive. Healing vibes brother.
  • 2 0
 glad to see you're back at it man!
  • 3 0
 As a Physio and mountain biker I find this very inspirational. I hope to work with mountain bikers in the future to help get them back on their bikes. Thank you for sharing your story, and I wish you the best in your recovery.
  • 5 0
 Huge respect buddy !!! I hope that your dream will come true... Nevers give up !
  • 1 0
 Awesome man, I ride enduro (motorbike) and recently had to have my left leg amputated below the knee after an accident but seeing people like this guy adapt and over come to get back to what they love doing really is an inspiration. Hope he achieves all his goals with riding DH. Awesome to see what people do when they set their mind to it
  • 5 0
 That crash was friggen gnarly.
  • 3 0
 Absolute legend! Watched the Tom Wheeler Project a while back, very inspirational and a better rider than I could ever hope to become! Keep up the awesome work!
  • 1 0
 That was one of the most brutal crashes I have ever seen, Im glad you are back on the bike and working hard towards your dream, it is never easy to get back on after a bad injury and it takes a huge amount of courage.. I respect immensely that you are not giving up your love of biking even after such a horrible injury.

I hope you heal fast and well. Smile
  • 2 0
 Truly amazing. I have shown this to everyone I can. Unbelievable. When the mind is willing, nothing a person cannot do. I do not heap praise on people often - but this man is a true hero for others.
  • 1 0
 'I used to rush home from school and go to the highest peaks to ride my bike' that's the attitude I like, not to forget the determination this guy has and I have the upmost respect for him, props to this guy, a great credit to mountain biking!
  • 1 0
 You've got a great deal of heart, fighting against a challenge only you can comprehend. Stay focused. Stay strong, and thank you for being an inspiration to many including all the wounded warriors who want to get back on and ride.
  • 4 0
 Get better soon. Never give up.
  • 2 0
 Dude. I don't what say. Takin a hit like that... There's a fuckin heart of a warrior in that chest. A warrior. Get back up and fight no matter what.
  • 3 0
 i cry and smile at the same time
  • 1 0
 What an inspirational film and a tough character. He will without a doubg be back on the DH circuit with that level of determination!
  • 4 0
 wow, just wow.
  • 1 0
 Whatever happens to you, dont think that sth has become impossible. Tom Wheeler is the perfect example, that NOTHING is impossible and you should never give up on your dreams
  • 1 0
 Hats off to you tom.... A true inspiration to us all... Here's to you having many many more happy years doing what you love. Smile
  • 1 0
 Amazing to keep positive and to have the determination to let nothing stop you doing what you love. Fair play man, hope you get better soon
  • 2 0
 Never judge people how they fall, but their capacity to stand up and try again.
  • 1 0
 Respect Brother Man!!!! Strength of an Army!!! But Im curious as to what caused the paralysis to your arm??? Brain trauma, spinal nerve damage??
  • 1 0
 Tom took direct impact to the shoulder which caused damage to his brachial plexus.
  • 1 0
 repect.... Tom Wheeler sees this video will give you more strength to continue with work every day ... www.suzuki-racing.com/videos.aspx
  • 1 0
 Myself and my son ride downhill,emotional film you got there,good luck for the future,
  • 1 0
 So easy to take things for granted! Great to see someone with such a positive attitude!
  • 1 0
 Big respect, the mental strength to keep going after a crash like that is awe inspiring.
  • 1 0
 Very inspirational ,Great to see him back on a bike
  • 1 0
 Truly an amazing person.. Inspiring us all ...
  • 1 0
 wow respect! how does he use the brake though?
  • 1 0
 Both brakes are on the left side, index finger covers the back and the middle finger covers the front.
  • 1 0
 Keep going bro! Riding your bike is the best way, for everything ...
  • 1 0
 Full respect ,, never give up on a thing you love doing ,,, Awesome
  • 1 0
 Legend, never give up on your dreams buddy.
  • 1 0
 Inspiring. Stay positive and stay strong!
  • 1 0
 Tears from my eyes... what a hero this man is... what a life lesson
  • 1 0
 the backgroud music ,what is it?
  • 1 0
 Wow! That guy is inspiring.
  • 1 0
 wow, dude is an inspiration for sure! thanks
  • 1 0
 An example of life
  • 1 0
 One word, RESPECT !
  • 1 0
 thats so great
  • 1 0
 Amazing video
  • 1 0
 Respect!
  • 1 0
 amazing.... just amazing
  • 1 1
 Keep at it kid! U can do it!
  • 1 0
 Respect!
  • 1 0
 Fight The Power!!!
  • 1 0
 Respect!
  • 1 0
 Inspiring. Thx Tom.
  • 1 0
 God bless you
  • 1 0
 What a guy
  • 1 0
 VIDEO OF THE YEAR !
  • 1 0
 RESPECT!!!
  • 1 0
 Respect!
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