On January 17, 2012, the South Pole was conquered by the Impulse expedition. It includes a disabled person. Grant Corgan decided to prove that the human spirit is stronger than the Antarctic cold.
Downhill skiing, snowmobiling, kayaking – it's all about him, 34-year-old extreme and adventurer Grant Corgan. He was born in a small town in northern Nevada (USA), perhaps that's why he loves mountains, snow and speed so much.
There is something magical about it – to be where no human foot has ever set foot. Being in conditions that others rarely experience. At the same time, you know that you, your decisions and your team are the only way to get back. It's an amazing feeling.
For another portion of such feelings in the spring of 2010, Corgan went to the snowy mountains of the Sierra Nevada (California, USA). On March 5, as a result of an unsuccessful stunt on a snowmobile, Grant broke his spine.
Fortunately, properly provided first aid and rapid hospitalization saved Corgan's life and allowed him to successfully begin rehabilitation. Complete paralysis of the lower extremities and lack of sensitivity below the chest – Grant spent 21 months in this condition.
Intensive therapy lasted so long. Corgan answered "No" to any attempts to feel sorry for him. Neither he, nor his wife, nor his parents were looking for any excuses. They understood that Grant did not need sympathy, all he needed for recovery was patience, love and support.
This "therapy" gave results – sensitivity returned, Corgan began to move his legs. And then I got up from my wheelchair and started learning to walk on crutches.
Everyone can surpass themselves, humanity must use every day to realize its limitless potential.
It was for this – to prove to the world that a person can do anything – that Corgan started another adventure. He decided to conquer the South Pole, the most inhospitable place on the planet.
He had to walk 160 km of Antarctic ice, overcoming frost and biting wind for two weeks, dragging a 20-kilogram backpack and burning about 10,000 calories daily.
For this purpose, special monoliths were developed and manufactured by KBG by order of Corgan. Thanks to the special aluminum alloy, the construction turned out to be very light, durable and maneuverable. This is important, because Corgan had to make 176,000 pushes with ski poles.
The expedition also included two guides, Paralympian John Davis and a film crew.
On January 17, 2012, The Push team reached the South Pole.The Push — A South Pole Adventure from The Push on Vimeo.
Now Grant Corgan is a real star. His example inspires thousands of people. He's not looking for any excuses. He continues rehabilitation, and also engages in charity and fundraising for a research center studying spinal cord injuries.
To live a real life, you have to find greatness. It is in each of us. A person can always surpass himself, regardless of the circumstances.
In conclusion, we present to your attention his inspiring TED talk.
