Park City Paralympian will attempt to climb Kilimanjaro

June 10, 10:55 AMSalt Lake City Outdoor Recreation ExaminerJared Hargrave

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Waddell on a Kilimanjaro test run. Courtesy One Revolution.

A former Paralympic athelete, Chris Waddell is not one to let his disabilities keep him down. After losing the use of his legs from a skiing accident, Waddell went on to win several Paralympic medals, and last year he broke the by riding the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands in 3 days using a hand cycle. The previous record was six days. But the Park City resident isn't done yet. He has set his sights on another goal. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

The highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro is described as a “walkable” mountain. But for someone who has to use a wheelchair to get around, “walkable” is a relative term. To make the ascent possible, Waddell will be using a special hand cycle that he describes as “taking a Mars Rover and marrying it to arm pedal power.” No paralyzed person has ever climbed the mountain unassisted with a hand cycle, but Waddell intends to the the first. Last June he took a trip to Kilimanjaro for a test run and determined that it is possible after making several modifications to his hand cycle. This August, he hopes to reach the summit.

Climbing to the top of one of the world's highest peaks on arm power isn't the only reason Chris Waddell is going to Africa. The trip is also a fundraiser so he can deliver hundreds of all-terrain wheelchairs to disabled people in Africa. Through his charity organization, One Revolution, Waddell hopes to raise enough money to give thousands of wheelchairs away in the years to come. He says it's just his way of giving back.