By Jeff D’Andrea

P.A.’s Morgan never thought he’d return to the X-Games, but here he is

Feb 16, 2018 | 3:07 PM

About 12 years ago, Prince Albert’s Blair Morgan was at the pinnacle of extreme sports. He dominated the SnoCross scene at the X-Games, winning five titles in a six-year span from 2001-2006. He was featured on the cover of video game SnoCross 2 sporting his iconic #7C number in 2007 for PlayStation 2.

Even when the snow wasn’t on the ground, Blair still prospered on dirt, having won three straight Canadian national motocross titles from 1996-98 and other big events.  

But on Sept. 20, 2008, Blair Morgan’s life changed dramatically. During a practice run at the Montreal Motocross, Morgan crashed and was paralyzed from his chest down.

Morgan never thought he would ever return to compete at the X-Games at any point since the accident — but nothing can keep a man they call ‘Superman’ or ‘Air Blair’ down forever.

The 42-year-old returned to competition at the Adaptive Snow BikeCross demo event at the X-Games at Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, Colo., on Jan. 26. Morgan’s machine was specially made for him, the Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha Project 7C bike.

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“It was really cool. It was just a lot of fun just to be out there, be able to back on the track and obviously get away from the wheelchair and get back on the machine and compete again,” Morgan said. “That was an awesome feeling.”

The event was a demonstration, but it could be an official medal event as soon as next year. Morgan said he is interested to returning and gunning for a medal if that’s the case.

But at the same time, Morgan’s perspective on racing has changed over time. He’s back in the racing seat more for the joy and the process of it, instead of chasing the result. 

“I raced for 20 years. It’s still obviously in my blood, but I’m not at that level where I was in my mid-20’s at the top level competing,” Morgan said. “Being older, the risk taking isn’t as important. It’s more of a good time rather than a job I guess now. It’s fun to get out there and be with friends. It’s not as serious.”

When asked about what Sept. 20, 2008 and what that means to him, Morgan was reflective and calm.  

“That time flies, like really. I can’t believe it’s been almost 10 years,” Morgan said. “Especially competing again, lot of reflecting and reminiscing about all of the years racing and looking how it is now. On the track, everything’s different now, a lot has changed. I guess it’s an anniversary of some sorts.

“Quite a bit [has changed], obviously probably a little more mature and growing. I was always a little kid at heart, probably still am now,” Morgan said. “But I have kids that are in their teens now, obviously watching them grow. My oldest [Corbyn] is 17, he’s almost a man. [Laughs.] It’s quite weird.”

Nowadays, Morgan is riding a SkiDoo as a mentor and coach with the team’s younger racers. Last year, Morgan was gone about 50 days working with them.

“Last year was really exciting. We were winning the championship until the very, very last day, and ended up getting a mechanical failure and getting second,” Morgan said.

“It was really cool to see some of your work making a difference in the riders.”

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW