FAQ
IS IT TRUE you CAN ACTUALLY WALK?
No.
Who is sam’s coach?
Sam is coached by French-Australian former Para Athletics Paralympian Fred Periac who is based in Canberra.
How in the world did sam manage to break his neck twice?!
This is a question that all of Sam’s loved ones has asked themselves and/or him at one point or another. Sam’s adventurous spirit has somehow lead him down this path… After Sam’s second break, which was one vertebrae below his original, the doctors fused his vertebrae from the C5 to the T1 in the hopes of keeping Sam’s neck intact from this point forward. We’re all hopeful.
In pictures of Sam outside of racing he is wearing glasses, but he’s not wearing them in racing pictures. Does he wear contacts during races?
Nope. Not yet. Q is currently trying to convince him to not race with blurry vision, but Sam is very stubborn. Stay tuned.
Who is Q?
How do I keep up with Sam’s Events and Races?
The best way to keep updated with Sam’s events and races is to keep up with his social media. Sam has active Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. In the past, Sam can be quite sporadic about posting and keeping them updated. We promise to keep up better with his followers from now on. The most real-time active account will be the Twitter because Q will keep him on top of it.
ARE YOU REALLY HALF JEDI?
When I was five years old my friend form across the street dared me to drink a whole bottle of Cottee’s raspberry cordial. This is when I first felt my connection with the force. Since then I’ve been constantly asking my mother if she has any Jedi lineage but she’s been tight lipped so far.
What does Quadriplegia Mean?
Quadriplegia is defined as “partial or complete paralysis of both the arms and legs that is usually due to injury or disease of the spinal cord in the region of the neck”. There is a common misconception that this means that a person has no movement in all four limbs. Quadriplegia refers to impairment in all four limbs, not necessarily full paralysis. For spinal cord injuries (SCIs), the degree of impairment corresponds to whether or not the injury is “complete” or “incomplete” damage to the spinal cord and at what cervical vertebrae the spinal cord is affected. SCIs vary widely and the functionality and sensation that a person with an SCI retains after the injury is very specific to the individual.
What is the difference between quadriplegia and tetraplegia?
Nothing. These terms are used interchangeably. The discrepancy developed because, while the term quadriplegia is the commonplace term, quad- is a Latin prefix for “four” while -plegia is a Greek suffix for “paralysis”. Therefore, some linguistically-minded individuals prefer the term tetraplegia that uses the Greek prefix for “four”; therefore, keeping the linguistic roots within the word consistent.
What does a T52 classification mean?
The T52 classification falls under the wheelchair racing discipline of T51-T54 which includes athletes with limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power or impaired passive range of motion (see next FAQ for full classification descriptions). T52 commonly includes athletes with quadriplegia from acquired or congenital spinal cord injuries.
See below for T52 eligibility diagram:
Did sam’s classification change after the second time he broke his neck?
No. Although the break did change his pushing technique and restrict movement in his neck because of the fused vertebrae, he remained within the T52 classification. However, he frequently grumbles about how it affects his posture.
HOW DOES THE PARA ATHLETICS CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WORK?
Para Athletics (previously IPC Athletics) is the term for adaptive track and field events. The classifications either have a prefix of “T” for Track and “F” for Field events. Persons with any of the 8 different physical impairment categories in the Paralympics are eligible for Para Athletics. Additionally, persons with Paralympic eligible visual and intellectual impairments also may compete in Para Athletics. Standardly, the higher the numerical indicator in the discipline, the more function the athletes in the class have.
Track Classes
Ambulatory Running and Jumping Disciplines:
T11-13 (Visual Impairments)
T20 (Intellectual Impairments)
T35-38 (Coordination impairments: hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis)
T40-41 (Short Stature)
T42-44 (Lower Limb deficiency without prosthesis, leg length difference, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement)
T45-47 (Upper limb(s) limb deficiency, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement)
T61-64 (Lower limb(s) deficiency with prothesis, leg length difference)
Wheelchair Racing Disciplines:
T32-34 (Coordination impairments: hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis)
T51-T54 (Limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement)
Field Classes
Standing Throws Disciplines:
F11-13 (Visual Impairments)
F20 (Intellectual Impairments)
F35-38 (Coordination impairments: hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis)
F40-41 (Short Stature)
F42-44 (Lower Limb deficiency without prosthesis, leg length difference, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement)
F45-47 (Upper limb(s) limb deficiency, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement)
F61-64 (Lower limb(s) deficiency with prothesis, leg length difference)
Seated Throw Disciplines:
F31-34 (Coordination impairments: hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis)
F51-T57 (Limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement)
Can you get free SAUSAGES from being in a wheelchair?
Despite what most people think, the myth surrounding free sausages for people in wheelchairs is completely false. In saying that, if you know anyone looking for cheap sausages let me know.. I know a guy who can get them at shockingly low prices.
What is the tattoo that Sam has on his left arm and what does it mean?
Sam’s tattoo is a person in a wheelchair doing a “Superman”, which is a BMX trick. One of Sam’s mates drew it for him when he was in rehabilitation after the original injury, which occurred while BMX riding.
Why is sam’s hair so fluffy!?
Honestly, no one knows. It’s just that way. We know you’re tempted to touch it, everyone is. Q says go for it when he’s not paying attention.
Is Sam Single?
Nope. Sam’s partner is named Q and is referenced occasionally. The two are most often found sassing each other.Who manages this weBsite and how Often?
The website is jointly managed by Sam and Q on a regular basis to ensure up-to-date information. First person content is from Sam unless otherwise noted.
Any other questions or comments?
For any other questions feel free to reach out via the social media links in the footer below! Comments are welcome on the Leave a Note page!