A life off course (Olympic Champion suffers brain injury, repeated arrest)

[HuckleB]

A life off course -- An Olympian Loses Control of His Behavior after Brain Injury (1984 Olympic Downhill Gold Medalist Bill Johnson)

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/front_page/1108817935222430.xml

"I n the dim light of a windowless courtroom, Bill Johnson smiled. Stone-faced deputies flanked him. Nearby, his attorney stood at attention. Across the room sat a judge who could leave him in jail or free him.

So when the Olympic gold medalist with the rebellious reputation broke into a grin as he was arraigned on felony and misdemeanor charges Monday in Multnomah County Circuit Court, his carefree expression confounded some in the courtroom.

But Kathryn Pundt knew what it meant. "He doesn't understand," said Pundt, Johnson's sister. "That's what the smile's all about."

Even though friends and family continually tell him so, Johnson, 44, doesn't seem to grasp that every inch of his life -- of his being -- changed that day nearly four years ago when he careened across an icy Montana slope at 45 mph and caught the edge of his right ski in a squirrelly race-course turn. His face slammed into rock-hard snow, and he hurtled head over heels down the mountain until netting at the course's boundary stopped him. When help arrived, he was unconscious.

..."


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A sad tale that definitely mirrors the life of many people living with TBI.

[izzie]

1. Very sad story. His only luck is he does not go to Texas.

They would do something about this poor man.

[alarimer]

2. yes- here they have no sympathy for the injured or mentally ill

He would end up in jail for sure even though he really doesn't know what is going on. I can't understand why he is not under greater supervision; I am sure his family probably works and they can't afford to hire somebody. Someone else that has fallen through the cracks in our society.

[Mairead]

3. There should be an entry for him in all cop databases

He's not fully responsible for his acts, and shouldn't be charged with criminal activity--he lacks the requisite ability to form a clear, voluntary intention.

Nor should vendors be allowed to saddle him with debt.

[alarimer]

5. He should have some kind of court-apponted guardian

It does not sound like he is fully capable of taking care of himself.

[Art_from_Ark]

4. Johnson was derided as a "nose picker" by his snooty rivals

and then he kicked their butts. It was a great Olympic moment.

[alarimer]

6. It was a great moment

I remember it. He had kind of an attitude, I suppose but was still fun to watch.

[HuckleB]

7. He was an absolute breath of fresh air in '84.

I've never forgotten that moment in that Olympics. It's the only moment I really remember from that Olympics. That and Johnson's appearance with Carson when he got back to the States.