2018 World T.E.A.M. Annual Review 2018 World T.E.A.M. Annual Review | Page 16

WORLD T.E.A.M. PROFILE SPOTLIGHT >> EAGLE, COLORADO
SEPTEMBER 6-9, 2018
2018 >> ADVENTURE TEAM CHALLENGE COLORADO
ADVENTURE INITIATIVE
Jillian Harpin enjoyed life as a 23-year-old financial
analyst. During a 2016 Mexico vacation, a fall from
a third story balcony resulted in a spinal injury with
paralysis from the waist down.
During rehabilitation, Jillian was introduced to adaptive
sports. She began participating in demanding outdoor
sports, including a half marathon. A World T.E.A.M.
alumnus at an obstacle course race encouraged her to
seek out Colorado’s Adventure Team Challenge.
Jillian traveled west from her Connecticut home to
participate. She was impressed with the camaraderie and
inclusiveness, and was inspired to give her best effort.
“There was a point during the race where I wanted to
quit, when I thought my shoulders were going to give
out and I couldn’t pedal any further,” Jillian recalled.
“But, as I looked around at my teammates who were
all cheering me on and encouraging me to keep
going, I decided to push myself past where I thought
my breaking point was and prove to myself and to
everyone what I am really made of.”
Continuing to surprise herself with her athletic progress,
Jillian seeks out outdoor sports regularly.
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WORLD T . E . A . M . ANNUAL RE VIEW 2018