Tyler Walker (right arm raised) receives his gold medal at the Winter X Games. Standing to his right is Ernie Walker, his cousin, who served as his technical person. Tyler's father, Jim, is originally from St. Ignace, as is Ernie. Tyler Walker finished first in the Mono-skier X event at the Aspen Winter X Games Saturday, January 27. This is the first sport for disabled athletes in the Winter X Games that was not an exhibition, but a full medal sport.

Walker has competed in the International Paralympics Committee World Cup downhill and giant slalom and won the world title in the latter in 2006.

The athletes raced in groups of six, which is unlike single runs in downhill and slalom events. Competitors traveled 50-milesper hour, riding atop a single ski, jockeying for position, like a roller-derby style race.

Walker, from Franconia, New Hampshire, with family members in St. Ignace, was the favorite in the new event and proved the predictions right with the win.