Stuck in Vermont: Lily Stilwell Competes in Gymkhana Ice Time Trials on Malletts Bay

In 2016, Lily Stilwell of Fayston was paralyzed from the chest down when she was 19-years-old. Lily has adapted to life in a wheelchair but she remains fiercely independent, driving herself to work every week using hand controls in her car. We first met Lily three years ago when she was learning how to horseback ride and a year later, we got a tour of her renovated home which was built by volunteers from the Mad River Valley community.

This winter, Lily competed in the Sports Car Club of Vermont Ice time Trials on Lake Champlain. We caught up with Lily and her family in mid-February for the Gymkhana special event held on Malletts Bay to watch her behind the wheel. Lily is the first person to compete in these single-car timed laps using hand controls, she accelerates and brakes using her hands instead of her feet. From horseback riding to driving on a frozen lake, we can’t wait to see what Lily tries next.

Shooting date: 2/16/19

Music: Jeremy Blake, “Flex” & “Turn Up, Let’s Go”