ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Sailor Nick Scandone
By Russell Carlton - U.S. Olympic Committee

Sport is consumed on many differing levels. From spectators to participants, first-timers to professionals, the weekend warriors to the casual players, whatever your personal level of involvement with sport contains, for certain individuals sport is a way of life. For Nick Scandone (Fountain Valley, Calif.), the sport of sailing is much more than that, it's a lifeline.

In 2002, Scandone's life, and sailing, would begin to take on new meaning after he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or what is more commonly known as "Lou Gerhig's Disease."

ALS is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The disabling disease gradually takes away the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement, though the mind remains unaffected, and will eventually lead to death. There is no known cure or treatment for the disease.

For Scandone, it slowly began in his feet and has affected his ability to grip with his hands. However, his mind, and most importantly, positive attitude remain un-phased.

"The way I looked at it, whatever is going to happen, I might as well enjoy the ride along the way," said Scandone. "There are times when I get a little bummed out or discouraged because I can't necessarily do what I used to be able to do, be it walking or standing, or doing certain things with your hands.

"But, the reality of it is, there are two ways to look at it. You can look at what you can do, or you can look at what you can't do. You deal with everything along the way. Fortunately I have a mental attitude that seems to allow me to not get really discouraged to easily."

Being introduced to sailing at a young age, Scandone eventually found himself navigating the waters of college, both in a boat and out. What was a way to stay focused and stay out of trouble, turned into a collegiate national title and All-American honors in 1988 with the University of California-Irvine.

The sails then lead him on course to an Olympic opportunity in 1992, but he would not make the cut at the Olympic trials. From then on, Scandone became a weekend warrior, continuing sailing in a variety of classes.

After the news hit that he would live the rest of his years of life with ALS, sailing was there for Scandone, as it always had been, to provide the necessary escape.

Sailing as competition again entered into Scandone's life.

In 2005, he won the 2.4 Meter World Championship in Italy. His victory would come at the hands of both able-bodied and disabled athletes, all competing head-to-head. The 88-boat fleet included seven world champions and three Paralympic medalists. Scandone won the title by 10 points over the class' three-time world champion, who is able-bodied. Only two other disabled sailors finished in the top 10 at the event.

Then in January, Scandone was announced as U.S. Sailing's 2005 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, the first disabled sailor in the more than 40-year history of the award.

"From a sailor standpoint, you look at the names on that list, and it's something that most people would never feel they would get included onto," he said. "So, I felt very honored to receive the award."

So far in his 2006 campaign, Scandone has a fifth place finish at the International Federation for Disabled Sailing World Championship, qualifying the USA for the 2008 Paralympic Games in 2.4 meter in the process. He took first place at the Disabled Midwinter Championship in St. Petersburg, Fla. He also qualified for the #1 spot on the 2006 U.S. Disabled Sailing Team in the singlehanded 2.4 meter.

The next big event on his plate will be defending his World Championship title at the 2.4 meter World Championships in Finland at the end of July.

"I'm sure it won't be easy to do," said Scandone. "Especially this year in Finland, where the boats are very popular, so the goal is to try and finish at least in the top 10. That would be good, top five would be great."

With the 2.5 meter boat, he has been able to successfully continue to sail, providing him the opportunity and ability to continue to compete against the most elite sailors.

"I think the boat fits me very well," he said. "Sailing is sailing no matter which boat you're in. The boat is not as physically demanding as it is strategically and mentally demanding. Due to the disease I have, I am fortunate that my mind will never be affected, even though my body is. So, it suits me very well because I can continue to go out and compete against the best guys in the world in the boat, even though I don't have the same physical attributes as some of them."

He probably differs in mental attributes as well. His uplifting, positive attitude provides an inspiration to those exposed to his story. He is not out on the water, whether it be recreationally or competitively, for the exposure, accolades, recognition or awards that his story creates. He is simply doing what most of us could likely do more of, enjoying life.

"From my aspect, all I'm really trying to do is trying to enjoy my life and have fun," said Scandone. "And in some way, you get people that are saying that what I'm doing is something that many wouldn't do. I'm just trying to go out, go sailing and have fun. Everyone is telling me what an inspiration I am. I guess some people can look at it that way. I just look at it as keeping my mind busy."