Meet Joe Stone
Press & Media
Joe Stone’s story has captured national attention through documentaries, broadcast features, and interviews that highlight his resilience, athletic achievements, and work in disability advocacy. From HBO Real Sports to award-winning films and speaking stages across the country, this page brings together media coverage that shares his journey, impact, and message of possibility.
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The second episode of HBO Real Sports featuring Joe Stone explores his evolution as a pioneer in adaptive paragliding through his work with Project Airtime, a nonprofit that introduces people with disabilities and other life challenges to the freedom of flight. The segment highlights Joe’s return to the skies as a C7 quadriplegic and his deep partnership with mentor Chris Santacroce, a legendary pilot and founder of Project Airtime. Together, they’ve helped redefine what’s possible in free flight, building a vibrant, inclusive community in the process. Through powerful storytelling and stunning aerial footage, the episode captures Joe’s transformation—from survivor to leader—and his mission to help others take flight.
The first episode of HBO Real Sports featuring Project Airtime introduces the groundbreaking vision of professional paraglider Chris Santacroce, who shifted his focus from elite competition to creating inclusive flying experiences for individuals with disabilities, trauma, and other life challenges. The segment showcases the early days of Project Airtime, where joy, freedom, and community take center stage above the ground. Joe Stone is introduced as one of the program’s first adaptive pilots—a C7 quadriplegic determined to return to flight after his accident. The episode captures the powerful bond between Joe and Chris, and the radical idea that the sky should be accessible to everyone.
Digging for Answers is a short film that follows the development of Deepest Darkest, the first purpose-built adaptive mountain bike trail at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Featuring Joe Stone, the film highlights the collaborative effort between trail builders, adaptive athletes, and resort staff to create a trail that pushes both terrain and inclusion forward. Joe’s perspective as a C7 quadriplegic and passionate rider brings depth to the story, exploring what true access means when designing for high-level adaptive mountain biking. The film is a testament to innovation, community, and the power of building with intention.
It’s Raining, So What is an award-winning documentary that follows Joe Stone’s extraordinary journey after a spinal cord injury left him a C7 quadriplegic. The film captures his relentless pursuit to redefine what’s possible, culminating in his attempt to become the first quadriplegic to complete an IRONMAN triathlon. With powerful storytelling and raw honesty, the film explores resilience, purpose, and the human drive to keep moving forward—rain or shine.
In this heartfelt and motivating speech, Joe Stone addresses the athletes and audience at the IRONMAN pre-race banquet, sharing his journey as a C7 quadriplegic and his path to becoming the first to attempt an IRONMAN triathlon at that level of injury. With honesty, humor, and powerful perspective, Joe sets the tone for race day—reminding everyone in the room why they started, what they're capable of, and how every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
In this powerful episode of Rock the Park, Joe Stone returns to Glacier National Park—the place where his life changed forever—to share his story of recovery and rediscovery. Joined by hosts Colton and Jack, Joe reflects on the speed flying accident that left him a C7 quadriplegic and the incredible journey that followed. Together, they hand-cycle the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road and venture into the backcountry, where Joe goes camping for the first time since his accident. It’s a deeply personal and inspiring experience that highlights not just resilience, but the freedom and healing found in wild places. The episode is a tribute to strength, nature, and the power of choosing to move forward.
This episode of Rock the Park (Season 6, Episode 15) brings Joe Stone together with hosts Colton and Jack in the desert landscapes of Moab, Utah—widely known as a mountain biking mecca. The segment centers on Joe guiding the hosts through challenging trails in a demonstration of adaptive mountain biking, proving that physical limitations don’t have to limit adventure. Viewers witness Joe’s adaptive rig in action across stunning terrain, and hear his inspiring message: that creativity, grit, and determination can open any trail to anyone—no matter their ability.
In this adventurous episode of Candid Conversations, Joe Stone takes on the whitewater of Montana’s Flathead River—proving once again that life with a spinal cord injury doesn't mean giving up on bold experiences. As a C7 quadriplegic, Joe joins the team for a thrilling day of adaptive rafting, navigating rapids, camaraderie, and the natural beauty of Glacier National Park’s backyard. Between splashes and laughs, the episode dives into Joe’s mindset, his approach to risk, and the joy of reclaiming adventure after injury. It’s a powerful reminder that accessibility isn't just about access—it's about participation, presence, and possibility.
Meet Joe Stone