Steve Emt's incredible journey to a third Paralympics

"You will never walk again," he said. It was inconceivable. Emt was just one year removed from playing as a walk-on for the University of Connecticut men's basketball team alongside the likes of Ray Allen, Kevin Ollie and Donyell Marshall. Playing sports had always been a core part of his identity. The next few days were a mix of despair and devastation. He was 25 years old, paralyzed and, in his words, had hit rock bottom."

"But during his recovery he was brought to a rehabilitation pool, and the experience changed everything. Being active again, even in a limited capacity, reminded him of the joy he had once felt playing sports. He knew he needed to change his attitude and find things he could do."

"And now, 13 years later, Emt is competing in his third Paralympic Games in the mixed doubles curling event with his partner Laura Dwyer. The winner of 10 national championships, Emt, 56, is the most decorated Paralympic curler in U.S. history."

Steve Emt was paralyzed in a car accident at age 25, just after playing basketball for the University of Connecticut. Doctors told him he would never walk again, leaving him devastated. During rehabilitation, he discovered the joy of being active again in a pool, which shifted his perspective. He tried various wheelchair sports including basketball, baseball, tennis, and racing, but found his true calling through a chance encounter on Cape Cod that led him to curling. Now 56, Emt competes in his third Paralympic Games in mixed doubles curling and has won 10 national championships, establishing himself as the most decorated Paralympic curler in U.S. history.

Read at ESPN.com