Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
Schultz ending Para snowboarding career to focus on prosthetic gear
An American Paralympic snowboarder, Mike Schultz, has decided to retire after the Milan Games. He will now focus on his company BioDapt, which builds special legs for Paralympic athletes and other people who love active sports.
Schultz lost his left leg after a motor accident in 2008 during a snow race. Because there was no good prosthetic for sports, he made his own to keep playing the sport. His design helped many athletes to ride and race again. In 2010, he started BioDapt, and now about 95% of the top Paralympic snowboarders use his products.
At the Milan Games, Schultz finished sixth in snowboard cross but felt proud. He saw many people using his equipment and said helping others win made him happy. During the Games, he also carried a heavy backpack with extra parts so he could fix or adjust the legs for other riders. After retirement, he wants to spend more time with his family and create new ideas for better prosthetics.
Recently, BioDapt joined Autodesk, a tech company, to make stronger prosthetics for the 2028 LA Games and future events. Schultz won medals in 2018 and 2022 and feels thankful for his long career. He says he will keep supporting the next generation of Para athletes.
(AP)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
retire
引退する
to leave your job and stop working, especially because you have reached a particular age or because you are ill; to tell somebody they must stop doing their job
The player decided to retire after winning his third championship.
その選手は3度目の優勝を果たした後、引退することを決めました。
prosthetic
義肢
an artificial body part, such as an arm, foot, or tooth, that replaces a missing part
The runner uses a prosthetic when she practices at the track.
そのランナーは競技場で練習するときに義肢を使います。
feel proud
誇りに思う
to feel pleasure and satisfaction because you or someone connected with you has done something well
I felt proud when my little brother finished his first piano concert.
弟が初めてのピアノコンサートを終えたとき、私は誇りに思いました。
equipment
装備
the set of tools, clothing, etc. needed for a particular activity or purpose
Please check your camping equipment before you leave home.
家を出る前にキャンプ用品を確認してください。
adjust
調整する
to change something slightly to make it more suitable for a new set of conditions or to make it work better
She adjusted her chair so she could sit more comfortably.
彼女はもっと楽に座れるようにいすを調整しました。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
What motivated Schultz to keep snowboarding after his accident?
Why did Schultz feel happy at the Milan Games even though he did not win a medal?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
Have you ever tried snowboarding or skiing? If not, would you like to try it someday?
Are you interested in trying a new sport? Why or why not?
Would you rather be an athlete or someone who supports athletes? Why?
Do you think helping others can be as important as winning? Why?
Do you think technology can change sports in the future? How?