Athletes participating in the Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina often require specialized prosthetic equipment. Due to individual physical differences, competitors frequently modify or design their own equipment, and some have developed businesses in the prosthetics sector.
Due to individual physical differences, competitors frequently modify or design their own equipment, and some have developed businesses in the prosthetics sector.
Custom Seats for Alpine Skiing: Zach Williams
Zach Williams, a U.S. para alpine skier and licensed prosthetist, recognized the performance benefits of custom-fitted equipment after using prosthetics since age two. Williams applies his expertise in mold making to create custom bucket seats for sit-skis. His goal is a precise contoured fit to eliminate the need for additional foam padding, which can hinder energy transfer from the athlete to the snow.
Williams constructs these rigid seats by molding an athlete's lower body and using layers of carbon fiber, other fabrics, epoxy, fiberglass, and Kevlar.
Suspension Technology for Snowboarding: Mike Schultz
Paralympic snowboarder Mike Schultz concentrates on suspension technology. Following a leg amputation due to a snowmobile racing accident, Schultz sought prostheses capable of handling high-impact sports. Drawing on his experience with farm equipment and snowmobile suspension, he developed a specialized knee. In 2010, Schultz established BioDapt, a company producing knees and feet for various sports, including snowboard cross. More than two dozen athletes at the Milan and Cortina Paralympics utilize his components.
Schultz indicates that his business's contribution to other athletes' high-level competition provides a sense of accomplishment.
Precision Sockets and Climbing: Ronnie Dickson
Ronnie Dickson, an amputee and prosthetist, employs Schultz's components in his Chattanooga, Tenn., clinic. Dickson emphasizes the necessity of properly fitted sockets to ensure athletes have a full range of motion, particularly for activities like snowboarding. Dickson, a rock climber, is also assisting athletes preparing for rock climbing's Paralympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games.
In his workshop, he uses specialized tools to shape and polish leg sockets, stating that custom-fitted components enable advanced climbing techniques.
Dickson has retired from competitive climbing but plans to attend the Los Angeles Summer Paralympics in 2028 to support the athletes.