MTN OPS Presents “Sid” – An Inspirational Film About Double Amputee Hunter Sidney Smith, and His Pursuit of a Life Well Lived

“It was a battle to walk every day, to get out and do the things I love,” said Sidney Smith. Born with a disease that causes structural foot deformities and muscle wasting throughout the leg, Sidney has been facing challenges his entire life. As an adult, Smith was finally given two options – live the rest of his life in a wheelchair, or amputate. “And I let fear take over. I was afraid what my life would look like.” Faced with an uncertain future, Sid began to wonder how he would play with his kids, whether he could keep his job and provide for his family. He wondered if his wife would still look at him the same way, and whether he would be able to truly enjoy life again.

With a family to provide for and a desire to live life to its fullest, Sid made the decision to become a double amputee. The night before the amputation I decided to walk on cold grass. That feeling of cold grass, is just a beautiful feeling.” Then, while sitting in the hospital bed post-operation, the Ironman championship came on tv. “I was inspired… but at the same time, I was sad and depressed because I’m sitting in the hospital with no legs.” During his time watching it, he saw an amputee complete the race. Completely blown away, Sid had found that life doesn’t have to end with amputation.

In the MTN OPS film “Sid,” watch how Sidney made the most of his new lease on life. Whether through backcountry hunting, racing in triathlons, or chasing around his young kids, the questions surrounding Sid’s uncertain future were soon answered. Where once lived fear, purpose and joy have overcome.

For more about MTN OPS and “Sid”, visit MTNOPS.com.

About the Author

Eric Whiting is a PR Account Manager for Backbone Media, and represents MTN OPS, SITKA Gear, and Maven Optics. Eric lives in the mountains of Colorado, where he spends as much time as possible training, scouting, and planning for his next elk hunt.