MotorActionMedia.com interviews Anthony Radetic who, despite a motor vehicle accident that left him in a wheelchair, continues to compete in professional Jet Ski racing and inspire people everywhere.
Anthony, you have one of the most unique stories in the watercraft industry — could you give us a little insight?
Most unique? Haha, I was just looking for the correct therapy after my injury. Being that I love speed and I’m an adrenaline junkie I thought it was a perfect fit.
Despite obstacles, you are a very dedicated personal watercraft racer. Could you tell us how you got involved in racing?
I have been doing adaptive sports for a long time and I needed a change. After meeting Shawn Alladio I was introduced to the sport and found it to be very rewarding and challenging to compete in a non adaptive sport.
What have been some of your career highlights or accomplishments?
In personal watercraft racing, I had some great highlights, racing in Peru, Russia, and Thailand, but my highest accomplishment was winning the Ironman class at the 2017 Mark Hahn Memorial. The race is a true test of rider and machine working in harmony. A great showcase of the resilience of a US military athlete.
As a challenged athlete, you must have a unique training program to be as competitive as you are. Could you tell us a little about it?
Exos group has set me up for success and has given me a good outline on what to do each day. I train 6 days a week using the SOFLETE training program, which is phenomenal and very challenging at the same time. I also incorporate 1 to 3 hours of hand-cycling each day to keep my cardio in check. I find this training routine has been great in keeping me in the game and level headed throughout the season.
You recently competed in the Mark Hahn 300 mile endurance race — this is one of the most grueling races in the sport. What was this day like for you? Can you give us a run down?
I have been very fortunate to have a outstanding team. We all came prepared knowing it will be a very long and grueling race. JetLift rail system was our secret weapon in safety and consistency. Definitely we had the simplest and smoothest pitstops throughout the day. So the rest was up to me….I have been doing marathons for a couple of years and figured it would work on the same principle…. keep a steady pace throughout the race. But we did encounter a couple of mechanical setbacks…and also mother nature was making her appearance. The winds never eased off, gusting up to 26 mph . All the teams were fighting through it, and putting up with the miserable conditions….a true battle for the title. We finished strong and I was very happy with the Sea-Doo RXPX performance in the nasty water conditions. My team really out did themselves and I couldn’t be prouder.
Could you tell us a little about your race ski? Also, what Jet Renu products do you use to take care of it?
I definitely have the best ski on the planet, Sea-Doo RXPX….this watercraft is a rocket ship! That has been set up by Jesus Garcia from Riva to accommodate my riding style. Also its equipped with a special adaptive seat from BlackTip Jetsports. All this put together I really think it a great ski for any type of racing. I really like using all of the Jet Renu products…they all have a special purpose.. but if I had to choose one to bring along it would be the DriWashMx. It is just so simple to use in between races and it keeps my ski looking great!
What are your plans for the rest of the season?
I definitely have a busy race season this year, I’m looking to do all of the AquaX races and several races overseas, such as Karujet, Martinique, Korea and Russia.
What advice do you have to other challenged athletes who may want to get involved in racing?
I’m such a big believer in going out there and just trying different things… never disregard all the speed bumps and hurdles that may be in your path just keep the drive going. Never accept defeat keep fighting, die living.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way… even the ones that block or shut the door on me, I thank them for pushing me even further past my limits. My family is by far my biggest power source, my wife and kids are what inspire me to be a better person. My father is living vicariously through me and it makes me proud to see him at each of my races. The non profit organizations I race for SOF Bionic Warriors, Warrior Sailing Program, and Operation Second Chance. My team, my friends, and my phenomenal sponsors; without them this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you Sea-Doo, SOFlete, Jet Lift, Watercraft Superstore, BlackTip Jetsports, SBT, AquaNew, Más Awesomer, RIVA Racing, JETPILOT, Fly Racing, RockTape, and Jet Renu!
