The Champion
One Man’s Race to the Finish
by
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"What do you mean, Carey? What happened? I need to know what happened."
Before dialing the home number I texted her, “At Thornwood. Tom is down. Not sure how bad but ambulance is on way. Call me.” No response.
I had stopped running, slowing down to a brisk walk so I could speak clearly to Cat Walts when she picked up the phone at her home in Dexter, New York. I could hear the siren of the ambulance turning onto Stone Hill Road, approaching the entrance of Thornwood MX. I was heading up the hill to the spot on the motocross track where her husband, Tom, had been thrown off his Honda CR 250 dirt bike while racing in the Plus 50 Amateur/Novice class.
"I'm not sure; Tom went down in the race. The ambulance is coming. I'm heading up there right now," I replied.
"Ambulance? Carey, what happened? How bad is it?" She was desperate for answers, for the information I had not yet received.
I finally made it up to the area on the track that every eye was straining to see. As I got closer, I first saw my husband, Val. I called out to anyone who would give me an answer, "I'm on the phone with his wife! Is he going to the hospital?"
"Is he okay? Where are they taking him?" Cat pleaded.
Because of all the people surrounding him, I could only see Tom's race boot and part of his right leg. I could tell he was lying on his back and realized I did not see his leg moving. Considering the commotion and the presence of EMTs, I was suspecting he perhaps had a broken bone or two and would be writhing in pain. However, as I walked up around the crowd near his feet and made my way to where I could see what was happening, my adrenaline began to surge and I quickly turned away. With my voice trembling, and tears beginning to sting my eyes, I told Tom's wife, “Cat, they're doing chest compressions." I heard her breath escape as she began to hyperventilate.
I turned around again, asking where they were planning to take Tom.
"Who is going with him? I need the phone number of the person going with him." Again I did not have an answer to give her, but promised that as soon as I knew I would let her know. With that, Cat and I ended the phone call that would bring her to the moment her life would be forever changed.
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About the Book
When #121 crashed during a motocross race on an upstate New York dirt track, no one questioned his ability and determination to get back on his bike and reclaim his position in what would be the last race of his life.
Through the words of a family friend, and eye witness of the events on that fateful day, The Champion is the true story of one man’s race to the Finish, and how he managed to overcome the trials and obstacles threatening him on his quest for the 2014 championship.
The account of Thomas Walts’ life and tragic death offers insight to the difficult questions we face in the struggle of loss and grief. We can be encouraged as we find that there is hope and comfort in times of utter despair. Be inspired by Tom’s life, as his example shows us how we, too, can overcome life’s challenges and leave a legacy that is impossible to forget.
About the Author
A military veteran herself, Carey Flores is a proud Army wife. She and her husband, Valentin Flores, have two energetic children: Noah Alexander and Zoey Nicole.
Her three “happy places” in life are: hiking, biking and kayaking. She is an avid reader and journals almost every day. One of her real life experiences is published in the book, “It’s a God Thing: Volume 2” by Don Jacobson.
Home is where the Army sends them and she chooses to bloom wherever they are planted. Their family will always treasure the time they had in Northern New York and would willingly return should Val receive the orders. Carey not only accepts his assignments, but believes God orchestrates their relocations for His purposes.
Noah placed 3rd and 5th overall in his two classes for the 2015 race season with the great USMX. He could not have done it without his early training from TomCat.
In early 2016, the family transferred to Colorado where they became involved with BMX and currently look forward to what God is planning for the future.