Rex Patrick is a one-legged champion cyclist. A victim of child abuse and violence, he lost his left leg in a drunken-driving accident in 1978 at the age of 18. Rex's life story demonstrates ultimate triumph in the face of almost certain failure -- from a homeless alcoholic/addict to Olympic champion. For young Rex, it was a chaotic and difficult life. A life of alcoholic excesses, brutality, and battering led Rex to Nebraska where he lived in a tent with his brother and worked hauling hay. Eventually, a drunk driving accident led to the amputation of his left leg. He learned to walk with aluminum crutches and made a brief attempt at wheelchair athletics. However, Rex continued a long descent into the nightmare world of drug and alcohol addiction. In time, Rex and his Night Train wine kept company on the streets of Denver. About 18 years ago, a worker from an alcohol rehabilitation program convinced Rex to enter a recovery program. After two years of tears and twelve-step meetings, Rex, now clean and sober, tried skiing in Colorado. He excelled at skiing and became an instructor -- a position he still fills today. One day, Rex's friend challenged him to ride a bike. His friend tied his foot to the pedal of a bicycle. He found he could ride and he discovered new freedom. Thus began his career as a world class cyclist. Rex won a silver medal during the '96 Paralympic Games and was voted Amateur Athlete of the Year by Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. His incredible story and numerous accomplishments are the subject of an upcoming book, "Riding Out Of Hell." In additional to training and skiing, Rex works at a treatment facility for chronically mentally ill clients. Even the most depressed individual has trouble telling Rex "I can't." Students sit up and take notice as Rex pedals into the auditorium in his United States Olympic Team jacket. With tremendous credibility, he warns against substance abuse and drunk driving. You Always Have a Choice (youth) Rex is living proof of someone who has turned his life around. He talks to kids of all ages about making choices and dealing with peer pressure. His program will touch hearts and impact lives. Bring Out the Champion in Yourself (youth and adults) Rex recounts his rise from the depths of alcoholism and drug addiction to become a world-class cycling champion. He has been clean and sober for more than 10 years. Inspiring for people of all ages. "Over the 15 years that I have taught, I have listened to dozens of motivational speakers, many on the subject of drugs, but never have I been more moved than listening to Rex. Perhaps what made his talk so powerful was the fact that he never once said don't do drugs." -- Jerry LaChance, HS Teacher, CO