SAGINAW – Wright & Filippis prosthetic technician JIM WAZNY (Merrill, MI) stunned the extremity-sports world January 31, capturing the silver medal in the first-ever Adaptive SnoCross event at the ESPN Winter X Games 14 in Aspen, CO.

Wazny, 39, passed a number of talented riders to post an impressive time of 5:52.852, narrowly edging Doug Henry (5:34.217) for second place. Professional rider Mike Schultz claimed the gold medal in 5:18.403.

"What an amazing honor it is to win the silver medal at the first Adaptive SnoCross at X Games 14," said Wazny. "For disabled athletes to be recognized by ESPN and the other organizers of the X Games is truly an awesome accomplishment.

"The experience of being with all the high-profile athletes in the world is mind-blowing," he said. "To win the silver medal at X Games is a dream come true, and it proves that all things are possible if you are willing to put in the hard work."

Wazny, who also competed in motocross at the Summer X Games in Los Angeles last August, is also an annual competitor in the Extremity Games which are staged each summer at various sites throughout Michigan.

"This experience at the Winter X Games has also confirmed for me – and this may sound strange – that losing my leg back in 2000 has helped me become a better person."

A motocross accident in April of 2000 resulted in the loss of his left leg above the knee. For the past four years, Wazny has worked at Wright & Filippis in pursuit of becoming a prosthetist. He is very active in the company's AmpuTeam program, which helps amputees return to pursuing their dreams and leading the most active life possible.

"I don't believe I would be where I am today if I hadn't lost my leg," Wazny said. "It was a blessing in disguise. If Ixm able to help one person by inspiring them to achieve their goals, all the hard work that I put in is worth it."

Wazny also serves on the board of directors for the Athletes with Disabilities Network which hosts the Extremity Games (http://www.extremitygames.com/) and the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame (http://www.adhof.org/).