Career
Joe Tompkins was a recreational skier until a car crash left him without the use of his legs. Foreign two years after the accident Joe took up drugs and booze, and nearly killed himself. However he stopped after a couple of years and carried on skiing and in January 1989 he started as an arroya sled ‘sit skier’.
He quickly moved on to monoski in the following years.
In May 1999 he joined the United States Disabled Alpine Men's Ski Team (USDST). In his second season with the USDST he came 6th place in the downhill competition in the world championships.
He was the top United States racer in his class. In January 2003 Joe came 2nd in the Huntsman’s Cup Super-G race also in Utah.
In 2006 he took part in the Winter Paralympics in Torino, Italy.
He is currently the 5th best mono-skier in the United States and 12th best in the world. Joe has a teenage son. During the summer he coaches a little league baseball team
He is also a motivational speaker and an avid golfer.
Joe has taken part in many golf tournaments, including the Undegraff Vision Celebrity Golf Challenge, and has a handicap of 34. "Joe"s an example of everything we want in an athlete, and in a human being.
He gives and gives and gives and never asks for anything. I had the most amazing experience playing golf with Joe.
The only thing Joe complained about was.. actually, I don"t think he complained about anything.
Not even the sand traps. Whatta day. lieutenant changed my life."
Bob Condron, Director of Media Services – United States Olympic Committee. & Commission MemberInternational Olympic Committee.
