Living the Righteous Slacklife @ Chautauqua Community House

In 2009, while studying physics at the Colorado School of Mines, Mickey Wilson discovered the sport of slacklining. After finishing his master’s degree in solar energy physics, he came to a fork in the road. Mickey had the opportunity to chase a dream, but it meant leaving behind or setting aside his education and a potential career in solar energy. He chose to become a professional slackliner.

Many things ensued: competitions, base jumping, rope swings, space net weddings, world championships, performances, adventures, the Ellen Show, Good Morning America, Ford commercials, injuries, ski lift rescues, slacklove and slacklife. How does one chase a dream and remain balanced? How does one change paths in life? How does one work hard and play hard? How does one return to a scientific field they studied a decade ago? Hopefully, this story will help answer these questions.

About the Speaker:
Wilson, a Colorado native, has always had a passion for sports. His childhood plans to become a pro skier didn’t pan out, but his plans to become a pro slacker did.

Wilson’s most notable slacklining incident was a rescue. Wilson bravely saved a friend who had accidentally hung from a moving chairlift by his neck in the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area. Using his skills and smart thinking, Wilson was able to save his friend and make it quickly back to safety. His other great slacklining achievements include ranking first as the Red Bull Airlines 2015 Champion, the Red Bull Baylines 2015 Champion, and the Natural Games 2014 Champion.