In Disaster There is Opportunity - Finding a Path Through Paralysis | Martyn Ashton | TEDxBristol
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Martyn explains the unbelievable challenge presented by a career ending injury, and how he used a unique approach to tackle it. “If I’m going to be paralysed, then I may as well be good at it!”
Taking us through the antics of a man searching for a way to face the test of a lifetime, using the instinct of a competitor, plus the enjoyment and passion of a sportsman to not only discover new things but to ultimately find his way back to the sport he loves most, riding bikes.
Martyn has been a professional Mountain Biker since 1992 and in that time has won a World Championship and numerous British Titles. However he’s probably best known for his live stunt shows and his highly successful TH-cam video series ‘Road Bike Party’ films in which he takes highly expensive (and fragile) carbon road bikes on an exhilarating journey of stunts, obstacles and vertigo inducing skill that the viewer could never expect.
However, in 2013 Martyn suffered a spinal cord injury whilst performing in a live stunt show. The accident seemingly ended his riding career, leaving him paralysed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life… but in his own words
“Who would have thought that my greatest days of riding were ahead of me?”
This talk is from TEDxBristol 2017: Dare To Disrupt. In a world of constant change and uncertainty, these are the ‘positive disruptors’ ripping up the rule book to challenge received wisdom, demand better, and transform seemingly insurmountable problems into break-through possibilities and new beginnings.
From making a big splash on single-use plastics, to a global campaign to end unwanted hair-touching, or a revolutionary approach to combining robotics with human creativity, we hope you’ll enjoy and feel inspired by these talks.
Watch all our talks here tedxbristol.co...
Our talks were produced, filmed and edited by a brilliant team of talented volunteers and pro-bono partners:
Produced by:
Mel Rodrigues, Curator TEDxBristol
Daniel Edmund, Assistant Curator, TEDxBristol
Samuel Williams, Hodos Consultancy
Barney Grenfell, Hodos Consultancy
Filmed and edited by Floating Harbour Films:
Richard da Costa
Ben Scrase
Tom Young
Dan O’Connell
Gareth Croft
With camerawork and production support from:
Steve Webb
Giles Edwards
Bath Spa University
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
Martyn has been a professional Mountain Biker since 1992 and in that time has won a World Championship and numerous British Titles. However he’s probably best known for his live stunt shows and his highly successful TH-cam video series ‘Road Bike Party’ films in which he takes highly expensive (and fragile) carbon road bikes on an exhilarating journey of stunts, obstacles and vertigo inducing skill that the viewer could never expect. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
GMBN fans unite!!
Martyn was great even before GMBN existed!
ayyy
Here
+1
MTB Forever!!!!!
not just top 100 paraplegics. you are one of the top 100 people in the world.
Yes definitly
100%
110%
Yup. Absolutely.
👍👍👍👍👍
Gmbn squad ?🤘🏼
For sure ! Here we are;)
mtb 4 life mate!
Where's he been on the channel??
He is still doing ask gmbn and the dirt shed
Ross Clapton gonna have to give this comment a SUPER NICE!
Definitely the biggest mountain biking hero! GMBN 4 Life!
I thought he waa a trials guy
@@smashyrashy Well, yes he was a trials guy but nowdays I guess you would call him a mountain biker given that's what he does, personally I discovered the guy through GMBN and his been quite an inspiration for me that he still rides despite his injury!
That´s a SUPERNICE! :) :)
with a toot of the horn!
The car world has Aston Martin.
Us cyclists have Martyn Ashton!
We got the better deal!
So true😁
Hahaha
Daniel Pudz
😂 he’s saying us cyclists not U.S cyclists
Nice one
Oy, us bikers
Martyn has inspired so many people, his spirit is unstoppable. A truly great man.
Who is here from GMBN????!!!!!!!!
The Biker me
The Biker gcn actually 😂🚴🏼
baylen109 I am....
Me
Me
I am a new fan of GMBN as I am getting back into mountain biking. I had no idea Martyn was paralyzed until watching this. I just knew he was my favorite host. Such a cool guy with a great attitude. Definitely a “super nice” hack!
The guys a legend, lets be honest, after a head on collision with a hgv on my suzuki sports bike in oct. 2019, i was told i may not be able to walk again let alone ride an mtb again.. 2 years later nearly I'm back doing what i love, i had to have a hip replacement along with many other operations to fix me up but i'm more positive than ever, alot of it from seeing martins positivity. I was very lucky that day...
Go on martynnn Representing GMBN i see 📍
All those years doing bike tricks and stunts were incredible…., but what are you doing now is far beyond of incredible …..touching hearts and souls requires an exceptional human being …certainly Martyn is one of those
Such an inspiration. Legend.
yeah, what a legend for battling through and becoming an inspiration. respect martyn.
Such a role model and inspiration
And now, on GMBN, you've become simply one of the very best personalities on the internet. Much love Martyn.
LEGEND
AMAZING TED TALK!!!! Thanks Martyn, SUPER inspiratonal!
Is there a cooler guy than Martyn? Absolutely love a pint and a day on the trails with the guy. Inspiring beyond words. Best presenter aswell! Haaacckkks and bodges!
Martin M Martin is a great presenter but Blake lofe
Just wonder how many people would get depressed. This guy is amazed, excited and shares his experience as a cool story. It only confirms that everything is in the head. Sadly quite often your head can get you paralyzed and grounded even though your body is physically 100% healthy...
One of my superheroes of cycling - Marianna Vos because she just the greatest person to ever ride a bike - Sarah Storey because she's 29 times a world champion - and Martyn Ashton because he needs to put up with Doddy and Blake.
Martyn is one of my idols in life. Most influential person I've ever run across.
Incredible, positive, amazing, and inspiring human being! I love hearing him speak. GMBN ROCKS!
Ski-chair on a bike? HAAAAAAACKS and bodges! Hacksandbodges! Hacksandbodges!
Martyn is a man! Being a sportsman is forever, no matter what wheels you ride.
Its cool to see that you're back to the trails with the random tandem
well being paralytic, being poor and watching this video and enjoying that one of us gets it easier - there is joy in that, for a moment during a day
Martyn Ashton, legend throughout his career and excels in whatever he applies himself to.
Inspiration personified.
Martyn. Please excuse my ignorance. I'm a fairly new fan to GMBN and have thoroughly enjoyed your segments. Love your humour, your insight, your style. Now after watching your Tedx Talks and understanding your past history and achievements I can't help but be more in awe of you. You are a top 100 person.....period!
I started mtb 2 year ago and I found out about Martyn he is been my hero and inspiration since then!!
Martyn, you are a bloody HERO!!!
Hats off!!!
Cheers!
I.
I have some spinal problems and it's really messed up my life never mind my ability to try and keep riding , Martin is probably the biggest inspiration to keep going with thing's.
Martin is absolutely amazing and the fact that he never gave up and does the speaking events speaks volumes about him and his character.
My son and I watch Martin's stuff as much as we can. My son and I have incredible respect for Martin, keep it up !
Love this x
Martyn Ashton, you sir are a shining example of the human body and spirit. Crazy Love for you man!!! What a champion!!!
Martyn is such a huge inspiration. You rock Martyn and it's great to see you every week on GMBN
I have a health condition which may render me blind, or it may not?? ... I'm a outdoors/sports enthusiast (mtb included) ...I really need inspiration from folk like Martyn ...I make the most of my days... But with folk like Martyn I will continue to have a full life if my eyes do pack up... Thanks Martyn...you're feeding my stoke for life.....
"Not the end, just change" .....Thankyou ❤️
Where the GMBN people at!!
Delirious Rabbit right here!
Right hurr
Delirious Rabbit Right here sir !!!
Right here mate!
Here
Just an unbelievable positive attitude to life, true inspiration to all.
Dirt Shed is my favorite TH-cam show. Martyn is proof that attitude is everything.
There's a saying that goes, it's not about the chair. And Martyn truly is the living embodiment of that!🤘🚴
This dude's 1000% better at riding his bike than me and I have the notable advantage of my legs working. I bloody love Martyn Ashton.
mindset truly is everything. I lacerated my finger and I don't even want to live anymore and this guy is paralyzed and he is upbeat and motivated.
You are always the best.
BR Evan Yup.
BR Evan..... have you seen road bike party???
@@jamiemartyn6415 absolutely mind blowing, all three of them, Martyn is in the first two I think his life changing accident, happened before he'd finished No2 and a couple of other pro riders( friends) helped him finish it, and No3 is with Sam Pilgrim riding,. What they do on them roadbikes is nuts!!
I got a picture with this legend so happy
Martyn I adore you because you are a legend. You are a legend before and after your accident.
You are a better person(sports person) than I will ever be even in a million years!
Martin, thank you, I make excuses why not to ride my bike, to cold, to icy, to windy. No more excuses, what you have taught me is that to take nothing for granted and do the things you love doing. Thanks.
Martyn's positive attitude is massively inspirational, and puts so much into perspective. Maximum respect for this dude! Definitely a hack and not a bodge.
A truely inpersational man.
Martyn your videos on GMBN showing your riding again are amazing, the Whistler one wow emotional.
What a legend
GMBN worldwide! Great speech Sir!
The 63 people that disliked this video are insane.Martyn is such an inspiration and what he his doing now is 1000 times better then the stunts he did before.Marty is a LEGEND and a true madlad
What an awesome human being, Martyn never fails to make me smile and laugh.
New to MTBing. Saw a few of your videos. Then heard you were injured. Saw your first DH video. Awesome. Then whistler this summer. I got truly emotional. You will continue to be our inspiration. Thanks for continuing.
You continue to motivate and inspire. I was ecstatic to find out you were going to be a TED Speaker so that now you can bring a level of awareness to an even greater audience. Well spoken! SUPERNICE!! :-)
On the money!
All mountain bikers love you Martyn not only are you a legend of the sport but you are also the perfect example why our sport of cycling is for all, such an inspiration, keep it going and thank you.
I, too had a spinal cord injury (T12-L1) that was a life changer. I think that Martyn's approach to life worked for him, but my journey was a bit different -although I think we are both equally satisfied with our respective outcomes. The main thing is that having paraplegia does not diminish you as a person, it is just a challenge; to manage in your way.
I met Martyn at the weekend. He lived up to every expectation I had. What a top bloke.
What and inspirational speech from Martyn.. he mite have been knocked down but definitely not out.. and I love the sheer determination where there is a will there is a way.. GMBN for life
I can’t believe it’s taken five years for me to stumble on this video! I’ve met Martyn a few times in the late 90s and early 2000s at various events and he has always been a hero of mine. When I was first getting into riding he was one of the guys in Mbuk and all the videos. Accident and all, he’s still a hero
A truly funny guy and so much fun to watch Martyn on GMBN.
Martyn, you my man are one of the warmest and kindest people and i’d love to meet you one day!
There is like noone else I’d be so stoaked to meet as you.
What a guy!
I think your attitude has a lot to do with what you accomplished before and after the accident. Not everyone can think that way and for that I admire you sir.
Martyn is one of strongest people around! You have inspired alot of people brother
Wow, that last minutes brought tears to my eyes. The human spirit is unstoppable, if you believe in yourself. Thanksy Martyn!
Martyn Ashton you are wonderful. PS I think you should play the 14th doctor on Dr who you would be the best
That would be so incredible, love Dr.who
22 dislikes? What’s not to like! Thanks for sharing big lad. Best on GMBN says I. Love from Kendal
I still cannot believe that you could ride like you could before your accident. The skills you displayed blow my mind to this day. Still you amaze me , not only with your riding skill but also your mind. Live long and ride a Mountain bike always.
I'm really proud to say I met Martyn in work today. Great guy!
I like your positivity. I'm a big believer in 100 reasons why to do something. Not 100 reasons why you can't. Well done very go speech.
What an incredible speaker....Absolutely amazing....So inspirational....
Bro... It was a pleasure meeting you in Singapore all those years ago. You're an inspiration to us all...!! Stay Fun and Cool... :)
Martyn Ashton, a true source of inspiration - legend!
Had the pleasure of interviewing and speaking to Martyn after this talk - a very lovely, funny and inspiring guy with such a positive mindset. Happy to see he's doing well for himself!
You always were the boss on two wheels mate. Somehow you inspire more and intimidate a little less now. Your determination and positive mindset are genuinely awesome, but back when you were making defying gravity look elegant, us humble fans were awestruck, now you are using your determination and ingenuity to prove that you can still have fun on two wheels with your mates, and that the simple act of getting outdoors and having fun together on bikes
Extraordinary speech. Recently taken up mountain biking and had the good fortune to watch your vids,everything you do you exude an amazing energy and humour. Congratulations on whistler and your other exploits with those fantastic friends, I hope it continues for many years to come
as a bmxer ive already known this guy as a legend ....but this guy is truly someone incredible .. just as scotty cramner
Bering a passionate Mountainbiker, Motorbike-Rider and Snowboarder - this injury it is the invisible daemon that hunts all people who are living those sports. How you deal with the situation is incredible and motivates me and makes me truly happy!
What a legend. Powerful message. True wisdom right there!
Love this guy, how awesome is he!
Written this a few times now on various forums so apologies for repeating it if you have read it before Martyn is one remarkable fella in the way that he is not letting his misfortune determine the rest of his life. Positive, positive , positive that is all that Martyn knows. Wayne Rainey ex MotoGp motorcycle racer is one of the only other people I know of that also had to face the same battle as Martyn and is also a very positive guy. Remarkable men indeed. Goggle Martyns name and your find a brilliant video of him riding downhill !.
Do a search on David Bailey and Doug Henry, you'll have a couple more people to be inspired by! All these guys blow my mind with their positive attitudes.
What a legend in the cycling sport.
Got me into trials back in the days and love watching GMBN, which got me into mountainbiking.
Such a class act as always
Once a hero, always a hero!
You will never lose that spirit!
Martin you are amazing . My brother and I do downhill biking but he wasn’t as lucky as me ,he got paralysed after a huge fall. Thanks to you Martin he nos he’s not on his own .been a twin makes it worse but a woman in hospital told me about yourself and since then he’s come on amazing. You don’t need people fussing over you .Andrew and me Ross wish you the best with everything you achieve .loving the gmbn also. Thanks buddy for sharing your story really interesting. Keep up the work and remember you have more right than the next man.🤙🙏🏼
Martyn, I have been watching you and the team @GMBN, since day one, grow as presenters, coaches, and just overall great people that I know were I to meet you in person you would all be the same people.
The day you rode at Whistler and I watched the video of you with your friends, I admit my allergies made my eyes tear up a bit (like they are right now). I am sure you hear this a lot but you, your personality, your courage, and your openness about your injury and how you haven't let it slow you down is an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people. But it can't be said enough, thank you for sharing your life with all of us. It makes all of us better people as a result.
I could listen to Martyn for hours, a true gent of the sport and someone possessing a positive mental attitude that most of us could learn from. Couple to that, in real life he's super nice. Amazing.
An exceptional person, with friends to dream of.
What a true gentleman and an inspiration to us all.
Chapeau!
Just enjoy life and find your passion, no matter what! Martyn, those kind of interventions are truly necessary, you are doing so right! 👍👌🤙🤘
As a quad myself, he made it to the top 10!
Completely missed your TEDx Talk! Entertaining, moving, inspiring, down to earth ... just wow! Thx for sharing your story!
I've been in a cast/moonboot for the last 10ish weeks now, suffering from a leg broken in 3 places. I know exactly how you felt man... mountain biking was my outlet... my way of releasing energy... and was how I moved through all the hard times, I can barely live without it. What you've done is incredible mate, and your positivity and motivation blows me away...
Serious respect man!!! all the best
Moving and inspirational do not seem enough to describe you, your drive and ambition! Awesome talk Martyn!
Martin you are real champion in a life... You are able to find the best and to give the best in all conditions! You are awesome talent!
Truly inspiring speech, I need to go out and hit the trails without fear or hesitation. Watching Martyn ride was awesome, I recommend searching for those videos where he can't stop smiling as he is doing downhill. Simply amazing!!
I feel so happy to have met Martin during an event back in 2017. Specifically the clip at 16:55 - I was there at the start hut. Literally have never met someone so genuine and sincere in my whole life, and that’s just scratching the surface. He’s so dedicated to riding and pushing himself and his limits, and his team of friends are incredible with the way they help him out. The drop you see him doing in that clip took him nearly an hour to gather the courage to do, but in the end he nailed it and finished his race run with style! Being there and being able to talk to him is something I’ll never forget and cherish with me forever.
I love all the gmbn vid.s you do.
Especially the new tandem!
Keep it rollin'.
Martyn embodies all those good, virtuous qualities that define a human. Keep em coming buddy, you surely are admired
I love watching Martyn on GMBN because he has an energy that is incredible and I always feel better after watching a good Fails and Bails with Martyn. He makes the negatives into a positive. Thanks for the inspiration.
brings a tear of joy to meye every time I see Martyn's beaming face and the lads pitching in to keep them all rolling as a team is just picture perfect
Best Ted talk ever! Naturally delivered with love, joy, and humor. Martyn is such a positive inspirational man to me and many. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
Childhood hero, and definitely an actual hero now, big respect Martyn Ashton 👊
Well done Martyn that speech really gave me goosebumps, You really are a special person. You Yangs Australia 👀
True inspiration. Puts things in real perspective.
Absolute legend, Martyn, you're such an inspiration beyond words, and, I think you're definitely in the top humorous man category.