Chris Waddell: One Revolution
The film features Chris Waddell, thirteen-time Paralympic medalist, five years removed from his final international competition, and Tajiri Mungaya, a Tanzanian Porter whose leg was amputated after a tragic rockslide on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Chris begins the journey seeking international visibility for disabled athletes with Tajiri who is determined to return to the mountain that stole his leg and his livelihood. As they doggedly continue up the mountain the two are besieged by rocks, dust, cold, darkness, altitude, fatigue, equipment failures and fear.
It is their determination and the emotional support of their traveling companions that provides the only respite in a seemingly impossible journey.
Together they attempt to break two world records and become the first Tanzanian amputee and the world’s first paraplegic to make it to the summit of Kilimanjaro without being pushed pulled or carried.
“Amanda Stoddard beautifully captures the moments of joy and frustration that were part of the climb, as well as Waddell’s persistence and incredible determination.” Kerry A. Dolan, Forbes
OMTimes had the pleasure to interview Chris Waddell, and talk a little about his life, the ONE Revolution and his work in empowering many lives.
Exclusive Interview with Chris Waddell
OMTimes: You were a ski racer in college, and had an accident that cut short your career. Can you tell us what happened?
Chris Waddell: It was my first day of Christmas Vacation. My brother and I went to the mountain where we’d grown up racing, Berkshire East. With a few buddies we took a couple of runs to warm up. In the middle of a turn my ski popped off. I fell in the middle of the trail–didn’t hit anything but the ground–and broke two vertebrae–damaging the spinal cord. I was conscious throughout, but don’t remember anything after my ski popping off.
