Six and a half years ago, a motocross accident left Christina Vithoulkas paraplegic. The self-described “adrenaline junkie” had been one of Australia’s first female freestyle riders before a mistimed jump resulted in a spinal cord injury, fractured skull, broken ribs, and a lacerated spleen.
According to an article in abc.net.au, she lost all movement below her T5 vertebra and faced a new reality without abdominal balance or temperature regulation.
Despite this, Vithoulkas never lost her love for extreme sports. Now 30, she has found the same thrill in drifting—a motorsport where cars slide sideways around corners. The challenge of maintaining control while losing traction gives her the same rush that motocross once did.
One of the reasons she loves drifting is that it allows her to compete on equal footing. “That’s why I love drifting so much … I can’t think of another sport that a paralysed person can do where we’re not separated from the non-disabled community,” she said.
She drives a specially modified automatic car with hand controls, but her skills have earned her respect in the sport. “People tell me, ‘You’re in an automatic, Christina, and you’re doing everything by your hands,’” she said. “In moments like that, I am proud.”
Though she currently drifts for fun, Vithoulkas hopes to compete professionally one day. “Our whole purpose in life is to come here and experience all the emotions,” she said. “Then when you do get these happy, fun moments, you appreciate them so much more.”
Source: abc.net.au
