The Road To Sydney 2000: Profile Of Kayaker Cliff Meidl

NBC ID: ARV5ZCYI5N | Production Unit: Today Show | Media Type: Aired Show | Media ID: NY-TDY-20000529-0001 | Air Date(s): 05/29/2000 | Event Date(s): 05/28/2000

Transcript

Event Date(s): 05/28/2000 | Event Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia;Lanier Lake, Georgia;Gainesville, Georgia; | Description: Light shining on water and various shots of kayaker Cliff Meidl in his kayak and kayaking through water seen as in voice overs Meidl says it takes a lot of concentration to reach the ultimate goal, and says one must be disciplined and intense. Various shots of Meidl kayaking seen. In interview Meidl says (about his accident) he remembers pushing the jackhammer into the concrete but nothing else. Black and white still of Meidl seen with superimposed footage of jackhammer hitting rock. Overhead shot of Meidl's ripped clothes and workboots (one with hole in it) (Meidl hit a power cable) seen. In voice over and interview Meidl says he was blown out of the hole and slid back into the hole which is when his knees hit the jackhammer which tripped the circuit breaker. Still of Meidl lying in traction-like device with burned knees seen. Still of Meidl wearing leg braces seen. Meidl says the doctors wanted to cut his legs off at the knees to prevent infection but his parents didn't want that. Still of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy with woman standing at Meidl's bedside seen. Still of Meidl with others holding walker while wearing leg braces seen. In voice over and interview Lesavoy says he removed dead bone from around Meidl's knees and then grafted muscles. Stills of Meidl in rehabilitation doing exercise, of Meidl walking with crutches, and Meidl standing outdoors wearing leg braces seen. Meidl says he got enjoyment out of canoe paddling. Overhead panning shots of water with superimposed stills of Meidl canoeing with others. Various shots of Meidl kayaking through river superimposed over each other seen. Meidl says he wanted to be part of the Olympics and show everyone he had a disability but that he can be the best that he can be. Meidl and others in kayaks seen. Meidl says the accident made his life go in another direction which he may not have achieved beforehand. In Atlanta, Georgia in 1996 American Olympic athletes marching in parade and waving miniature American flags seen. During the Olympic Games on 1996-08-03 in Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia American kayaking team of Meidl (highlighted), Curt Bader, Philippe Boccara, and Mark Hamilton seen in their kayaks and in competition with others. In voice over Meidl says it was an "awesome experience" he won't forget. Meidl and teammates competing seen. Stills of Meidl posing with his teammates, and Meidl shaking hands with President Clinton seen. American athletes march in athletes' parade at the Olympics. Meidl stands on dock and puts his kayak in the water. Meidl, in the kayak, rows from dock and through river. In voice over Meidl says he tries not to take things for granted. Meidl and another man kayak past docked boats.

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Credit:
NBC News Archives
Editorial #:
1273093660
Collection:
NBC News Archives Offline
Transmission date:
28 May, 2000
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Licence type:
Rights-ready
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Location:
United States
Source:
NBC News Archives Offline
Object name:
ARV5ZCYI5N