Tampa paralympic skiier joins USA Olympic team
TAMPA (FOX 13) - From tragedy to triumph, Monica Quimby has overcome a lot in her short life. Now, she's part of the USA Women's Sledge Hockey Team and will compete at the 208th Winter Paralympics in Seoul, South Korea.
"I love being on the team. It's a huge camaraderie and there are women from all over the country," Quimpby explained. "There's nothing like putting on that jersey with your name on the back of it and your favorite team, and just going out there and being with your best friends. Its an incredible experience."
Quimby was 19 years old and on the University of New Hampshire Women's Ski Club team when she was injured.
"It was a really bad fall. I had a really bad fall and I ended up getting paralyzed from it," she explained. "It was definitely a really hard time in my life. Especially the first two years. It was really hard."
However, Quimby did not let the injury overpower her natural athleticism. She went back to playing sports, which she said helped her fight depression and fell in love with sledge hockey.
"I'm over the moon. I still can't believe I'm on a USA team," Quimby said.
Her message to others with a disability is to keep going.
"The big thing is to keep trying. Keep going out there keep trying and give it your best and just have fun. Enjoy it. Enjoy your life. That's why we are here." Monica said.
At 29, she says her best days are ahead.
"We all have days - hard days and sad days - but the majority of my days are really good. I 'm just really grateful. I'm really grateful," Quimby said.
She said she is grateful for the life lessons she learned to help herself and others.
Quimby was part of the women's hockey team that beat Canada for the World Championship last year. She is also the only woman on the Florida Bandits, a co-ed hockey team.