Aaron Wheelz Fotheringham

by Unit Clothing
Feb 22, 2011 at 12:06

Wheelz, 19, has obtained a cult following globally for his antics with the Nitro Circus Live Tour after successfully landing 40ft Backflips, Double Backflips and Front-flips in the past six months... in a wheelchair.

Unit, one of the world's fastest growing action sports brands, has just released a six-minute mini-documentary on one of their star athletes, Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham.

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The Las Vegas teenager is one of the most inspirational athletes in the entire action-sports industry; he hasn't let spina bifida dictate his lot in life and has taken his custom-built wheelchair to places they've never been before, including skateparks, BMX parks and of course, the Giganta-Ramp.

Unit sat down with Wheelz during a recent trip to the USA and found out what makes the laid-back, humble teenager tick.

Following on from the successful Nitro Circus Live New Zealand Tour, Wheelz is back in Vegas and preparing for the Nitro Circus Australian Regional Tour, which kicks off on March 9 at Albury's Lavington Sports Ground.

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109 Comments

  • + 105
flag funkymonkey144 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:16)
 Man, this guy deserves so much respect! He does stuff that most pro BMXers think twice about. He's a truly inspirational rider!
  • + 6
flag jackmtb (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:35)
 his nitro circus frontflip is crazy!
  • + 14
flag konakid1993 (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:51)
 Honestly one of the most heartwarming things I've ever seem, top ratings to the guy!
That much dedication and seeing the positive sides gets ALL of my respect,
Keep it real man.
  • + 33
flag philipstonier (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:51)
 get the kid to whistler and give him one of those 4 wheelers
  • + 1
flag philipstonier (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:52)
 oh and introduce him to stacy kohut
  • + 9
flag mzk1997 (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:52)
 That is amazing, so inspiring, he is probably doing stuff in his wheelchair that I could never do on a bike!! I mean come on, FRONT FLIP & DOUBLE BACK????? That is insane!!!!!!!!
  • + 5
flag dickturd-jnr94 (Feb 22, 2011 at 15:55)
 you are one amazing person. i think i speek for all of pinkbike when i say congratulations for what you have already achieved and good luck for the future because you are going far Salute
  • + 2
flag philipstonier (Feb 22, 2011 at 16:31)
 why would someone neg prop stacy kohut? hes the balls of the 4 wheeler http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Stacy-Kohut-interview-2009.html
  • + 3
flag somethingsomething111 (Feb 22, 2011 at 19:33)
 holy crap that guy is so amazing what he just done>>>> (i bet 99% of people cant do that) love this guy!
  • + 5
flag Jwilcox87544 (Feb 22, 2011 at 21:39)
 Anybody else think VOD?
  • + 1
flag Joebohobo (Feb 23, 2011 at 0:41)
 so much respect for this guy, its just amazing how hes got so good at something i never even thought would happen really.
[Reply]
  • + 59
flag DrMo (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:15)
 Why have a movie about bieber... when u have true guys like this...
  • + 7
flag doubledeuce (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:49)
 THANK. YOU. my thoughts exactly.
  • + 3
flag bkbroiler (Feb 22, 2011 at 16:46)
 SO TRUE!!!! Been hearing WAY too much about that, this kid is awesome!
  • + 3
flag rypurn (Feb 22, 2011 at 21:23)
 DrMo you said it man!! this guy has way more talent than that bieber goof
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  • + 29
flag no-ah (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:18)
 that grind at the end was awesome!
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  • + 20
flag MCsession7 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:11)
 Unreal, so much props to Aaron, incredible.
  • + 4
flag rigodon777 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:12)
 I know what I will do if I ever lose the use of my legs!
  • + 3
flag aidan-horn (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:18)
 each rider to their own, this guy is soo sick at what he does, is he the only person doing this in a chair?
  • - 2
flag lockguy101 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:55)
 @rigodon777: It's not his legs, it's his spine. How do you think he can drive
  • + 5
flag rigodon777 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:58)
 No shit sherlock, I was talking, if it would happen to ME and I would lose the use of my legs, I'd get in a wheelchair and try to get as creative as possible!
  • + 1
flag Morsinator (Feb 22, 2011 at 17:34)
 Such an inspiration to all of us! If he can do a flip, then all of us can. That is the coolest thing ever! Congratulations for overcoming this Aaron, you inspire us all!
  • + 1
flag bamfbmx (Feb 22, 2011 at 18:18)
 lockguy you can drive a car when your paralyzed, they make kits for it. my friend has one in his corvette because he broke his neck in a motorcycle crash. anyways i love this guy, so inspirational, shows you can do anything if you put your head to it.
  • + 2
flag cjayfreerider17 (Feb 22, 2011 at 22:44)
 he has mtb hubs in his wheels! legit
[Reply]
  • + 9
flag colin-s (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:21)
 dude, that was so awesome. That had to be one of the most inspirational short films/inteview i have ever seen!
Given the chance i would love to buy you a beer, damn proud of yah!
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag tombutlerr (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:32)
 This guy is sick, but why don't people at the skateparks help him get up the ramps?
  • + 2
flag RorySmith (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:09)
 I know. i mean, if you see some one that tallented, but can't get up there, why would just sit there and stare at him?
  • + 2
flag Waldon83 (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:13)
 My guess is that people do, but some people can be bags of dicks. That's for sure
  • + 17
flag wasea04 (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:23)
 I think it's less to do with being a jerk and more to do with being concerned about offending him by offering help; they don't want to infringe on his independence. The kid is amazing as an athlete, but even more so as a person!
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag unclesmokey84 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:33)
 I'm inspired. anyone else?
  • + 2
flag will100 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:41)
 check below beacuse i am 100%
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  • + 1
flag lil50 (Feb 23, 2011 at 16:30)
 You are truly an inspiration Wheelz!!! "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams quote (American 6th US President (1825-29) VOD !!!! YOU ARE A LEADER!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag stacykohut (Feb 22, 2011 at 15:58)
 big ups to aaron. hes pushed the skatepark thing further than anyone could have imagined.
mad respect to him focusing on one thing and becoming they very best at it.
the nitro front flip is another huge leap in progression.

but, the real big props go to UNIT for promoting this kid the right way. athlete first,inspiration second.
UNIT deserves alot of credit for supporting aaron.
  • + 0
flag criscokid25 Plus (Feb 23, 2011 at 12:24)
 I agree. I didn't think too much of Unit..not my style. but huge props to them for this profile and for supporting Wheelz!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag orangecoolaid (Feb 22, 2011 at 17:48)
 Aaron, you're brilliant. Your living your life with the cards you were dealt. Your attitude is awesome and infectious. I would love to see a young person like you go around to high schools and tell your storey. You inspire me to aspire to be the best that I can be.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Jezzaa (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:00)
 Fairplay to him, Hes an Inspiration Person, To be born with a spinal defect and still be 10x better than most Pro Bmx Riders.. amazing, One Thing Though, How Does He Get The Speed?! Maximum Respect, Nice Hubs Too Wink
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag goober6801 (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:48)
 check out the mega ramp back flip... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr_Fxr6gw3w
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag goober6801 (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:32)
 This should get VOD in the next few day. So sick and such an inspiring rider. Can't wait to see the mega ramp and whens the front flip coming?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag saso (Feb 23, 2011 at 12:07)
 now this is one in a milion you can see in the interview that he is making a wheele al lthe time... he truly canot bee stopped respect!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jengah (Feb 22, 2011 at 21:29)
 Major props to you, man. You've got strength and spirit that I envy. And great job UNIT Clothing - you just won over a new fan.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag betsie Plus (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:02)
 Wow, what a fighter, brilliant to see.
Inspirational is an understatement.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Stuffmykona (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:27)
 saw this kid ride when he was 13 and he blew my mind then. keep riding buddy
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag RyanGansler91 (Feb 22, 2011 at 16:00)
 no way, this dude is a few months younger than me and already acoplished so much, real inspiration for sure. MAD PROPZ!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mountguitars (Feb 22, 2011 at 21:38)
 crazy stuff. check out the front flip he did in nitro circus' website. the ramp was huge!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Joelrider (Feb 22, 2011 at 15:28)
 He should use a leat brace because could get hurt on the neck and he could paralize all the body :S
  • + 1
flag jcinkits (Feb 23, 2011 at 22:46)
 liatt, omega, alpinestar, whatever, but you are right, Tara Lianns wears one and wheelz would be wise to do the same.
  • + 1
flag unitclothing (Feb 24, 2011 at 1:46)
 Hey guys, Wheelz does actually run a Leatt brace when he rides the mega ramp and does his bigger stuff.
  • + 1
flag jcinkits (Feb 24, 2011 at 10:21)
 thanx, good to know. wheelz is not only amazing but a role model and it would be good to have riders like him try to post vids with some segment showing him wearing a brace.
personally, i have mixed feelings about when or when not to wear a neck brace: big stuff, small stuff, you never know...i have done a full head first endo without a neck brace over a 7 foot drop, flat landing, and slammed my head and every other part of my body in the process, got up dusted myself off and did two more rips - on the other hand compacted both my wrist, cracked ribs, bruised sternum on an otherwise ho-hum ride...however, i decided as a downhiller all the time is the time for me now, even if the Brace causes some smaller injury [ which can happen ] better than a broken neck and the resulting trauma .
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jcinkits (Feb 23, 2011 at 11:54)
 and i thought it was a big deal just because i am still ripping it at 67.....wheelz and Tara you are my role models !!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag waterfall99 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:42)
 That handplant was unbelieveable! Soo sick he keeps pushing the ante everytime a new video comes out.
  • + 1
flag mattf (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:12)
 That sideways grid at like 6:39 is sick as well. The kid's awesome!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Deezil23 (Feb 23, 2011 at 14:22)
 When life gives you lemons comes to mind, hes an inspiration to everyone. Rock on dude!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag spol (Feb 22, 2011 at 15:02)
 Believe it or not, for me Aaron is just as inspirational as Semenuk!
  • + 2
flag Joelrider (Feb 22, 2011 at 15:22)
 I agree man. They have the power to change the world Salute
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag xenophile (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:45)
 Unreal - keep ripping it Aaron, you're a champion! Maybe he should consider a Leatt though?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Digax94 (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:39)
 whatever i say ain't going to be enough to descrive what i feel. he is a hero to everyone
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tommynut (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:11)
 Watching this Vid, makes me feel ashamed of my fear's. He's humble, courageous. This young man is My HERO.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag shepsy (Feb 22, 2011 at 19:18)
 So sick. U must burn through chairs and parts at a crazy rate. Sweet Tacoma too
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Darnell999 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:24)
 leathal bai
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag RyanGansler91 (Feb 22, 2011 at 16:00)
 no way, this dude is a few months younger than me and already acoplished so much, real inspiration for sure. MAD PROPZ!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag will100 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:39)
 an absolute inspiration props to you fella..
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag AustinSedz (Feb 22, 2011 at 22:41)
 He seems like one really chill guy. Wish I could ride with him aha
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JesseMaclellan (Feb 23, 2011 at 13:54)
 siickest thing i have ever seen. props to him
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag callumr1995 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:46)
 AWSOME Smile !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag EddyDave (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:50)
 Holy cr*p that is incredible!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jungleman (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:50)
 BIG RESPECT!!! man u rule.......
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag DirtyBiker06 (Feb 22, 2011 at 21:06)
 sick vid ma i am happy for u
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag draypeoples (Feb 23, 2011 at 19:49)
 Right on Aaron! Kuddos from one of your ex PT's at the PCMC SBC.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag benjamin69 (Feb 23, 2011 at 15:42)
 Man thats vod all the way. The man tears it up !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ipsec (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:57)
 Utmost respect for him, that was a sick and super inspiring video!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag pokalface (Feb 23, 2011 at 14:47)
 so much!me want to try a backflip too
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag singlespeedkid (Feb 22, 2011 at 20:01)
 saw him at nirto circus live. pure inspiration
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Identiti-bikes (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:07)
 huge props to him, sooo sick!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag massimo (Feb 22, 2011 at 16:55)
 grandissimo sei un mito, ti ammiro!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MarkoM (Feb 22, 2011 at 15:40)
 GO WHEELZ !
TOO sick ! never seen anything like this, be strong!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag barhump-bob (Feb 22, 2011 at 15:13)
 this guy has become an idle and so insperational
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag DownhillBro (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:16)
 UNREAL!! mad props to that kid for not letting anything get in his way
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag burnmartins (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:27)
 RESPECTT WOOOOOOWWW VOD VOD VOD VOD VOD VOD VOD
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag florinbmx (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:24)
 everything does Unit it's f*ckin sick !!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag SHEESHKAH (Feb 22, 2011 at 15:46)
 This guy is someone to look up to.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag thatdude01 (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:14)
 unit u have done it again and wheelz keep it up and dont wake up lol
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mikedk (Feb 22, 2011 at 18:58)
 So much style Aaron...keep killin it man.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ori-s (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:45)
 amazing
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag TAridingMTB (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:33)
 pretty damn amazing
  • + 1
flag vt6spd (Feb 23, 2011 at 5:43)
 agreed.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bonehaed4 (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:35)
 Wheelz !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Nobble (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:47)
 Mad props to him
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag crazy-kid (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:43)
 That is INCREDIBLE!!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag iamamodel (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:37)
 That was fantastic.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JordY-Boy (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:17)
 Serious Respect
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag msarri24 (Feb 22, 2011 at 13:23)
 respect maaan Wink
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dchaney389 (Feb 22, 2011 at 14:52)
 incredible.
  • + 1
flag donald-tech (Feb 22, 2011 at 18:29)
 INSPIRATIONAL
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag peddlepusher15 (Feb 22, 2011 at 12:32)
 so rad. !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag biker92 (Feb 24, 2011 at 23:00)
 Respect man!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag galliwasp (Feb 23, 2011 at 14:03)
 Yee-doggie! Love it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kawi008 (Feb 22, 2011 at 16:52)
 SO SICK!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cp-gang (Feb 23, 2011 at 12:08)
 THE MAN
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Dirty27 (Feb 23, 2011 at 7:41)
 Mad props! fo sho VOD
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag scatology (Feb 22, 2011 at 16:19)
 Wow! Keep riding man!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Tim94 (Feb 23, 2011 at 1:56)
 Respect! VOD!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag fiberglassguy27 (Feb 22, 2011 at 18:35)
 Much respect!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag freddie-king (Feb 23, 2011 at 17:22)
 what a great guy !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag rockyfreerider (Feb 22, 2011 at 18:20)
 WOW!!!!! VOD!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag poundsand (Feb 22, 2011 at 20:54)
 PROPS MAN
  • + 1
flag poundsand (Feb 22, 2011 at 21:50)
 this kids inspirational, i wonder if he's ever thought of getting a custom wheel chair with some sort of suspension that could soften the landings without effecting the ride.
  • + 1
flag Makk-daddy (Feb 22, 2011 at 23:31)
 Poundsand - that's exactly what he has. He uses little shocks in his chair and his entire chassis is made from alloy. As he breaks parts he rebuilds them stronger and with a better design more capable of handling the antics he gets up to. :-)
  • + 1
flag poundsand (Feb 23, 2011 at 16:16)
 Oh cool thanks I couldn't see the suspension and some of the back flips in the skate park looked like they had a bit of a hard landing
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Norbybike (Feb 23, 2011 at 9:41)
 Respect!!...VOD!!!!
[Reply]

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