Mike Olsen is passionate. Determined. And fearless. 

After suffering a second-story fall on a construction jobsite 18 years ago, Mike found himself with a broken back at T-11 and T-12, and life would never be the same. But that did not mean that life couldn’t still be great. 

Mike still had a passion for building and working with his hands, so he began dabbling with woodworking and making signs. He met Marc DePerno, vice president of Foundation & Communications at Sitrin and coach of the Sitrin STARS, wheelchair athletes Jimmy “Jam” Joseph and Hermin Garic, and began to feel the excitement of wheelchair sports competition and the strong camaraderie established with his fellow athletes. 

And then, while traveling to the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, he was intrigued by handmade wooden flags in Buc-ees, the legendary southern gas/convenience store chain. “I can do that,” he thought. And indeed, not one to turn away from a challenge, he did just that. 

He enjoys the challenge of turning 2x10-inch pieces of lumber into something meaningful. He taught himself various sanding techniques to achieve the “wave” of the flag and experimented with different burning, painting and etching methods. 

Mike credits his stepfather, the late Chris Langdon, with teaching him construction and building techniques. In fact, he credits his mother Lori, stepfather Chris and beloved grandfather, Myron (Mike) Matteson, for instilling values and a strong work ethic in him at an early age. He learned all about another one of his passions, bow hunting, from his dear grandfather. Mike has a small business called Rut N Strut Archer, through which he gives bow hunting lessons, tunes and repairs bows. He also works part time at Bass Pro Shop in the archery department. 

Originally from Waterville, Mike now resides in Oneida, NY. He raises funds every year for the High Fives foundation, an organization that enables athletes with disabilities to snow ski in Tahoe, and he participates in their Ski-A-Thon in March. 

“I love extreme sports,” he says with a grin. “Especially skiing – you’re out of your chair, you feel free – and you can keep up with able-bodied people!” 

Living with a disability like Mike’shasn’t been easy. There have been numerous surgeries and setbacks, but his determination and positive attitude help to carry him through the tough times. 

Mike is willing to make custom-ordered flags, birdhouses, tables and more. For more information, contact him at sitskibum33@aim.com.