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Schroeder seeks berth on Team USA for Para Winter Olympics
Schroeder won’t
let loss of his leg
hold him back
By Greg Gulas
SEBRING
Sebring paramedic and volunteer firefighter Barry Schroeder has always been a caring person.
He loves giving back to his community and uses his free time to support worthwhile causes and readily makes himself available when funds need to be raised for those less fortunate.
On Sept. 16, 2012, Schroeder — then 30 years old — was taking part in a destination charity ride-scholarship fundraiser and while on his motorcycle, nearly had his life cut short when a car coming from the opposite direction crashed into the pack of riders.
The car struck Schroeder, who lost part of his left leg.
Fast forward nearly 50 months to the day and Schroeder will leave today for Park City, Utah, looking to make a huge leap in the World Cup preliminaries as he eyes a berth on Team USA as a bobsledder for the 2022 Para Winter Olympics.
“It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, for a great cause and the atmosphere with so many riders was absolutely awesome,” he said. “We were on our way back with about two miles remaining and a car that was trying to avoid a stopped vehicle swerved into the pack. I was the only one hit, but the impact took off about 90 percent of my leg with my foot basically remaining and dangling in my boot.”
Ever the fighter, Schroeder refused to let the amputation hold him down and while his spirits took a hit, his desire to return to a life of normalcy did not.
An intense rehabilitation regimen included mental challenges, but he returned to his post as a paramedic with Lane LifeTRANS in just under seven months, set on helping others who have had similar injuries and readjustment challenges.
“I started riding my motorcycle seven years ago and must admit that I felt a little lost without it. I began physical therapy as soon as I received the thumbs up and worked extra hard with my physical therapist, Josh Graybeal,” Schroeder said. “Josh taught me how to work out and was one of the reasons I returned as quickly as I did.”
Daughters Caidee, Caylee and Caycee, and wife Holly served as inspiration throughout his recovery, and so did a Facebook friend, Jason Sturm, who lost his leg in an Army accident and was the inaugural para-bobsled World Cup champion.
“My wife was nine months pregnant at the time and delivered Caylee right after the accident. She took on a lot and I cannot thank her enough for all that she has done over the past four years,” Schroeder said. “The support that she has given me and the motivation I get when I look at my wife and three daughters is absolutely heartwarming.”
While his family was uplifting, it was Sturm who filled a competitive void Schroeder felt he might never regain.
“Jason competed in the World Cup and was trying to develop not only the sport, but a competitive team that could take part in the Para Winter Olympics,” Schroeder said. “Last year at this time he invited me to Calgary to take part and if the truth be told, I hate the cold. I showed up, however, with my motorcycle helmet and sweat pants and was all in. He gave me inspiration personally and competitively and I wouldn’t be in Park City this week trying to qualify for the World Cup without his encouragement.”
Schroeder earned a spot on Team USA last year by placing seventh twice and eighth on another occasion.
“I’ll be in Park City for a week getting ready for the first two World Cup races later in the week. I’ll return home for the holidays and hopefully receive an opportunity to race in Europe, which beings the second week of January,” he said. “We’ll be in Lillehammer, Norway and Oberhof, Germany, also competing in St. Moritz, Switzerland where we’ll compete on the only handmade ice track.”
Self-funded, expenses could exceed $15,000 for the season for each competitor.
“We aren’t funded and sponsorships are scarce, but this challenge has been absolutely therapeutic during my recovery process,” Schroeder said. “Plus, I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the competitors and sharing our many stories. It’s a remarkable group that motivates me, a very humbling competition that gives you a different outlook on life. I was excited last year because I didn’t expect to be competitive, hoping not to wreck. This year, I have higher expectations so I’ll be much more nervous.”
Last November, seven countries were represented in Calgary with 16 nations expected this week.
“However this ends or progresses, I’m all right with it because we draw from each other. To help, be helped and also recognized for your efforts as you continue your quest is an unbelievable feeling,” Schroeder said.
The para-skeleton and para-bobsled team captains meeting takes place Tuesday with training runs starting Wednesday.
The first qualifying race is Nov. 20. Another is Nov. 23.