Duration: 54 minutes, 50 seconds ($12.00) • Order Online
First Released: 1990 • Read Script (PDF)

In this video, of The War Amps Cliff Chadderton and Champ Chris Koch reminisce about their good buddy Karlo, a great Canadian who transformed his own disabilities into a challenge to inspire others.

Karl Hilzinger had it all: a career as halfback for the Canadian Football League in the 1950s, and a glamorous lifestyle as a professional ski instructor at Mont Tremblant, Quebec. He used his perfect physique to model swim wear. Karl was the all-round Canadian athlete.

At age 31, a tragic car accident changed Karl's life forever. His legs were amputated above the knee and his right arm was paralysed. This video tells the story of Karl's amazing recovery and the impact his courage had on all who knew him. Karl was living proof of his own motto: "It's what's left that counts." 

To help tell Karl's story, Cliff and Chris refer to archival footage, interviews with sports personalities and scenes from War Amps films. Karl passed away from a heart attack in 1988. His legacy of courage and hope continues to be an inspiration to Champs and all Canadians.