Here’s an excerpt from KartSport’s exclusive interview with Brett Smrz…
A discussion with Brett Smrz is simultaneously light-hearted and serious. You get the immediate impression that he’s one of those immovable objects who’s relentlessly focused on reaching his goals in life. The 17-year-old speaks freely and openly about the accident 14 months ago that led to the amputation of his left leg below the knee. The challenge of moving on with his life against seeming massive adversity is discussed with the same casualness he might apply to passing a lapped car. It’s just another minor trifle on the way to wherever he’s heading.
How difficult was it to get the news that they were going to take part of your leg?
You know, it sounds a bit weird, but I really didn’t care all that much that I was going to lose my leg. My family knew someone who’d lost their leg and was a stuntman and was doing fine. And, literally just two months before my accident, I’d read Alex Zanardi’s book and how he’d dealt with his situation. So those two things kind of inspired me before I went into that surgery.
Alex called while you were still in the hospital, yes?
Yeah. Paul Zalud and the guys from Stars helped set that up. Alex and I talked for almost half an hour. The main thing he wanted to tell me was to never give up on my dreams.
To read the full article, make sure you’ve got the latest Flash plug-in (Available here) and then check out the latest digital edition of KartSport Magazine available HERE.
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