Hi, my name is Nik Miller. I am the top ranked paddler on the US Team for Paracanoe Kayak Sprint Racing. In 2014 and 2013 I earned my position on the US Team by winning my event at Team Trails in Lake Placid, NY.
2014 Paracanoe-National-Team
My 2014 year has started strong with big improvements in technique and training. I traveled to Russia and competed with a high level of athletes. I did not advance as far as I had wanted this year, but I gained a great deal of knowledge and experience that was needed.
This year I also received the honor to represent Stellar Kayaks. Stellar has been very proactive in their support of those who are disabled in the paddling community. As an athlete, I do this for the love of the sport and representing the U.S. It is my way of giving back to all who have supported my recovery.
In 2013 I took first place at Nationals in both the 200M sprint and the 5000M distance race at Oklahoma City in August 2013. I also represented the United States in Duisburg Germany at the 2013 Paracanoe World Championships where I made the “B” Finals with a final ranking of 17th overall in the world for 2013. This link provides real world exposure to my 2013 racing year U.S.A. Canoe Kayak (USACK) 2013 US Team Selection. This links to an interview with the top paddle sports company in Virginia Beach and the surrounding coastal areas, Surf and Adventure.
My story
A few years ago, my life was torn apart, physically and emotionally, when I was injured by a careless motorist who ran a stop sign. I was critically injured and in a coma for three weeks. When I woke up, I learned that I had a ruptured aorta, crushed hip, broken fingers, collapsed lungs, and an above knee amputation. The diminished ability to function as a physical person took away a part of my heart and soul. I made the choice to live, picked my chin up and persevered through surgeries, physical therapy and recovered my independence with a prosthetic leg. Over the years, I progressed on the road towards resuming a 'normal life', but always felt empty inside. I did not realize that my emotional and physical well-being was slowly diminishing because of this gnawing void.
In 2011, I was exposed to the sport of kayaking and felt reborn when I realized being on the water gave me mobility and freedom. In this medium I achieved parity with able-bodied individuals. Experiencing the positive energy and emotion while kayaking, I then realized the negative state I had previously slipped into. Summer 2011 was spent in the Virginia Beach surf learning to stay upright in the boat. By September, I found my balance and started on my paddling journey. My first races were in 2012 when I started chasing around the able bodied paddlers on the local waterways. I formally raced at U.S. Nationals 2012 and learned a lot from the experience. I reviewed, refined my diet and exercise plan and dedicated my lifestyle to racing and competing. I have worked endlessly in the gym and on the water in order to perform at my highest level possible, and to best represent the sport and the country. In this process, I have met many great people and learned a lot about the sport and life. Equally important, I have shared my knowledge and experiences with others. Although I've embarked on an unexpected journey with kayaking; in my heart, I have not strayed far from my Marine Corps espirit de corp. I value the opportunity to give back and have done so via work with disabled veterans through Team River Runner functions and Warrior Transition Unit field meets and helping children with autism conquer the world one paddle at a time through volunteer work supporting Kels Kids and Autism Buddies.
http://www.kelskids.org/
http://www.autismbuddies.org/
Why
My biggest desire is to impact others with disabilities while representing the United States in the sport of Paracanoe. By showing that it is possible to perform at a high level and achieve my dreams, I hope to encourage others to do the same. I want to be a genuine and sincere role model for others, sharing knowledge and inspiration as well as encouraging others to participate in athletics, regardless whether one is physically challenged or able-bodied. My hope is that everyone whose life I touch can find the same satisfaction and fulfillment that has filled my soul.
My Journey/My Goal
My journey started in the summer of 2011 when I was able to stay upright in a kayak. From that moment, my natural energy, drive and competitiveness drove me forward. I learned that kayak and canoe would be formal events in the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My goal was locked and my sights set. In 2012 I began competing in local races, fun events with a community of paddlers. In my drive to be the best, I decided to compete on the professional level. I used my own money to race at USCA Nationals in Warren, PA (finished 1st) and USACK Nationals in Washington state (finished 3rd). In 2013, I kept up a rigorous pace of training, travel and competing. I made multiple trips to Oklahoma and Florida for training and competition, using my own funds and resources. This year, my path will include Team Trials in Lake Placid over July 4th weekend and World Championships in Moscow, Russia in early August.
My hard work and training are focused on the ultimate goal of competing in the Paralympics in Rio in 2016 and raising the U.S. flag with a medal in my sport. The journey is a long and arduous one, but I am committed and very driven to accomplish the mission. In order to get there, I need to earn one of ten slots allocated during 2015-2016 seasons. During World Championships held in 2015 (proposed for Italy) and 2016 (location TBD), the top 10 placing countries will earn berths to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics. I will need to maintain my position as the US National Champion in order to have the opportunity to compete at the World Championships and be in contention to win a position in Rio.
Successes
In the last year I have completed at numerous local and national events involving able bodied long distance races and paracanoe sprint races.
Washington Canoe Club Regatta 2013
US Team Trials 2013 200M First place US Men’s, Selection to US Team.
US National Championships 2013
World Sprint Championships 2013 “B Finals”
Washington Canoe Club KUMU’OHU Challenge April 2014
Bennetts Creek Challenge April 2014
Lake Placid Regatta July 2014
World Sprint Championships Moscow Russia August 2014
Chickahomony 36 Miler September 2014
Two memorable races were the "Paddle for the Cure" where I teamed up with my coach to take first place while supporting cancer awareness. Also, racing in Duisburg in the 2013 World Championships provided my first exposure to international competition and showed the depth of sprint racing around the world.
My Team
I am thankful for every day. I would not be here if it was not for my Team; their love and support has helped me get to where I am. Thank you to: My parents Gayle and Elmer Miller, for the hard work ethic and perfectionist DNA; My coaches Chuck Conley and Deb Page; The Ross Family, Kathleen McNamee, the rest of the folks from the Washington Canoe Club; Stellar Kayaks and Surf Skis - Dave Thomas, Ed, and Deb who have been a huge support since the beginning when I first tried paddling their boats; American Orthotic & Prosthetic Center for numerous prosthetic builds and Smith Family outings to come out to watch local races.
Thanks also to the rest of my family; Mary and Brian Boger, Rob Mooney, Terrell, Jaycee, Kayla, Mikki, Kacie, Shelby, and the list goes on. I am truly fortunate to have such a great emotional support structure behind me.
