My LRO Story - Ricky James

Age: 20

Hometown: Murrieta, CA

Sport: Motocross

When he was 17-years-old, while racing an Amateur Motocross National, Ricky James crashed, losing the ability to use his legs. Since then, Ricky’s pursuit to get back on the bike has been complimented by his involvement with LRO.

As an ambassador for Life Rolls On, Ricky has a long-history with the organization, including that first visit from LRO founder Jesse Billauer when James was still in the hospital. Billauer encouraged him to keep riding and since that day, Ricky hasn’t looked back. Among his work with LRO, James has made public appearances to increase awareness about spinal cord injury and has even hung out with Paris Hilton at LRO’s “Night by the Ocean” gala where he inspired the crowd with his incredible story of achieving greatness despite physical adversity. Currently, Ricky also stars in Life Rolls On’s latest Public Service Announcement, where he is showcased practicing a back flip on his motocross bike.

“I think LRO ambassadors inspire others by getting back to the sports they love and showing others with similar disabilities that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart into it,” said James. True to his word, despite a T-6/7 spinal cord injury, Ricky has medaled in the 2008 X-Games, competed in the 2008 Ironman World Triathlon Championship, won the 2008 Overall Half Ironman World Championship and was crowned 2008 West Coast Pro Truck Series overall champion and Rookie of the Year.