Peter Axelson
Recreation/Development | 2007
Hometown: Gardnerville, Nevada
School Name: Stanford University
Born in Bryan, Texas, Peter Axelson attended the US Air Force Academy in mid-70’s. While attending the Air Force Academy, Peter sustained a spinal cord injury from a climbing accident. He then transferred to Stanford University, where he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Peter went on to found Beneficial Designs Inc in order to utilize his engineering and design knowledge plus practical experience with disability to fabricate sports, recreation and daily living apparatus designed to improve the quality of life for those living with disabilities. Peter was the first to utilize a mono-ski system with shock absorber technology; within a few years, shock absorbers were the standard in sit-ski racing.
In competitive skiing events utilizing the technology that he developed, Peter medaled five times in three world championships and also competed in the Winter Paralympics in 1980 in Geile, Norway and in 1984 in Innsbruck, Austria. He was also a level III PSIA certified adaptive ski instructor and a Senior Examiner that certified PSIA Adaptive Ski Instructors. At one time, he was the only fully certified Level III PSIA Alpine Ski Instructor in the world with a disability. In addition, Peter was a race coach and taught adaptive ski instructors from all over the world.
Through his continuing efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, Peter Axelson has positively impacted the lives of innumerable people, families and communities.
