Erik

Bayindirli

The son of Turkish parents, Erik Bayindirli grew up skiing in Verbier, Switzerland.  A car rollover at the age of 19 left him paralyzed, but didn't change his love of skiing.  In fact, it was his disability that pointed him towards competitive ski racing.  Bayindirli made his Paralympic Winter Games debut in Torino in 2006 and now he's working to compete at the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

While on a ski trip to Copper Mountain, Colorado, Bayindirli made the fortuitous decision to stick around for the U.S. Disabled Alpine Championships.  He finished the races with one gold and two silver medals.

Bayindirli also enjoys cooking, music, tennis and waterskiing.  He plays sled hockey and regularly works out with the Park City, Utah team.

Major Achievements

• 2008: Sixth place, slalom - The Hartford Ski Spectacular, Breckenridge, Colorado
• 2006: Member, U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing Team - Paralympic Winter Games, Torino, Italy