February 18, 2009 Deaf-defying moments on the slopes Play video

(NECN/WHSV) - Just about everyone faces obstacles in life. But, how one handles adversity, truly reveals his or her character.

Most people can't pull off the incredible stunts that Jeremy Cline performs on the slopes, but Cline is unable to do something the average person can -- Jeremy cannot hear.

"I'm deaf so I see myself as a role model for people. Which is really cool but I don't see myself as being a deaf person."

At nine-months-old, Jeremy lost his hearing, but 12 years later, he found his passion for snowboarding and now he's one of the best snowboarders in the entire country. Cline has become a snowboarding icon, but refuses to call himself a celebrity. His accomplishments are remarkable. In 2001, he made it to the finals of the "Vans Triple Crown Big Air Competition" in Lake Tahoe. Two years later, he won the bronze medal in the half-pipe at the Deaf-Lympics in Sweden.

After overcoming a disability, making death-defying jumps doesn't seem so hard for the 31-year-old.

"Sometimes I'm even amazed at what I can do. It's great to see your hard work pay off and come together."

"He just makes it look so easy. There was a time when he jumped off a wall on I-81, I was scared but he did fine."

"I just don't let things get in my way. This is just my life-style. I love what I do."

Mike Giangreco reports from Winchester, VA.

*VIDEO COURTESY MONUMENT SNOWBOARDS*