And there is, of course, the question of China and Tibet, a politically hot topic right now. Willick said he just wants to make a contribution to the health and well-being of gifted athletes during an event "whose spirit is bringing people together, not dividing them," he said. And he doesn't expect the Paralympics to be as controversial as its sister event; they simply don't draw the same level of attention. "There's no money to be made in disabled sports. An able-bodied athlete who wins gold can make a lot of money. For us, it's about the sport, the competition and the camaraderie."

But the level of athletic ability and competition is just as intense. Willick sees nothing braver or more challenging than the 65 mph run down the mountain, including curves, that a blind skier makes, for example.

Elite athletes don't have an increase in medical problems, compared to able-bodied athletes. But they do have different health issues. For instance, a shoulder injury to an able-bodied athlete could end participation in the Games. But for an athlete in a wheelchair, it could mean the end to independence.

While sports medicine research has grown, it has lagged in terms of learning from elite disabled athletes, Willick said. Not much is known about the effects of long-term travel on athletes in wheelchairs, for instance. Or whether the same substances should be banned for athletes who have disabilities as for others. There are cases, he said, where a banned substance could be beneficial. Those are all issues that require research, and the Games provide a great opportunity for that.

Willick, a New York native, was wooed to the West by an early-found love of the mountains. He likes to ski, bike, hike and climb. He plans to be in China for about three weeks; his wife will go along for a week, but his young children will stay home.

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E-MAIL: lois@desnews.com